sleeping in the forest. She is called Violette. She is very well bred
and is not afraid of me. She even embraced me when she saw me weeping."
"And why did you weep, my poor boy?" said Agnella.
"Because the little girl was afraid of me," said Ourson, in a sad and
trembling voice, "and hurt herself when trying to run away from me."
"Violette is not afraid now," said she, interrupting him hastily.
"Violette gave her hand to poor Ourson, embraced him and fed him with
cherries and strawberries."
"But what is all this about?" said Passerose. "Why has our Ourson the
charge of this little girl? why was she alone in the wood? who is she?
Answer, Ourson, I do not understand this."
"I know nothing more than yourself, dear Passerose," said Ourson. "I saw
this little child asleep in the wood all alone. She awoke and began to
weep. Suddenly she saw me and cried out in terror. I spoke to her and
began to approach her; but she screamed again with fright. I was
sorrowful--oh! so very sorrowful! I wept bitterly."
"Hush! hush! poor Ourson," exclaimed Violette, putting her little hand
on his mouth; "Violette will certainly never make you cry again."
While saying these words Violette's voice was trembling and her sweet
eyes were full of tears.
"Good little girl!" said Agnella, embracing her; "you love our poor
Ourson, who is so unhappy!"
"Oh, yes! Violette loves Ourson--will always love Ourson!"
Agnella and Passerose asked Violette many questions about her father,
mother and country; but they could learn nothing more from her than she
had already told Ourson. Her father was a king, her mother a queen and
she did not know how she came to be alone in the forest.
Agnella did not hesitate to take under her protection this poor lost
child. She loved her already because of the affection the little one
seemed to entertain for Ourson and because of the happiness Ourson's
whole manner expressed on seeing himself loved by some one else than his
mother and Passerose.
It was now the hour for supper. Passerose laid the cloth and they all
took their seats at the table. Violette asked to be put at Ourson's
side. She was gay and laughed and talked merrily. Ourson was more happy
than he had ever been. Agnella was contented, and Passerose jumped for
joy on seeing a little playmate for her dear Ourson. In her transports
she spilled a pan of cream which was not lost, however, as a cat came
and licked it up to the last drop. After supper, Violette fell asleep in
her chair.
"Where shall we lay her?" said Agnella. "I have no bed for her."
"Give her mine, dear mamma," said Ourson; "I can sleep quite as well in
the stable."
Agnella and Passerose at first refused but Ourson insisted so much upon
being allowed to make this little sacrifice, that they at last
consented. Passerose carried Violette still sleeping in her arms,
undressed her without awaking her and laid her quietly in Ourson's bed,
near that of Agnella. Ourson went to sleep in the stable on the bundles
of hay. He slept peacefully with content in his heart.
Passerose rejoined Agnella in the parlor. She found her meditating, with
her head resting on her hand.
"Of what are you thinking, dear queen?" said she; "your eyes are sad,
your lips do not smile. I am come to show you the bracelets of the
little stranger. This medallion ought to open but I have tried in vain
to open it. Perhaps we shall find here a portrait or a name."
"Give it to me, my child. These bracelets are beautiful; they may aid
us, perhaps, in finding a resemblance which presents itself vaguely to
my remembrance and which I am trying in vain to make clear."
Agnella took the bracelets and turned them from side to side and pressed
them in every way, trying to open the medallion, but she succeeded no
better than Passerose had done.
At the moment when, weary of her vain efforts, she returned them to
Passerose, she saw in the middle of the room a woman glittering as the
sun; her face was of dazzling whiteness, her hair seemed made of threads
of gold and a crown of glittering stars adorned her brow. Her waist was
small and her person seemed transparent, it was so delicate and
luminous; her floating robe was studded with stars like those which
formed her crown. Her glance was soft yet she smiled maliciously but
still with goodness.
"Madam," said she to Agnella, "you see in me the fairy Drolette, the
protectress of your son and of the little princess whom he brought home
this morning from the forest. This princess is nearly related to you for
she is your niece--the daughter of your brother-in-law Indolent and
sister-in-law Nonchalante. Your husband succeeded after your flight in
killing Indolent and Nonchalante, who did not distrust him and who
passed all their time in sleeping, eating and lounging. Unfortunately, I
could not prevent this crime as I was absent assisting at the birth of a
prince whose parents are under my protection, and I forgot myself while
playing tricks upon a wicked old maid of honor and an old chamberlain
who was cruel and avaricious, both of them friends of my sister, the
fairy Furious. But I arrived in time to save the princess Violette, only
daughter and heiress of King Indolent and Queen Nonchalante. She was
playing in the garden while the king Ferocious was seeking her with his
poniard in his hand. I induced her to mount on the back of my dog Ami,
who was ordered to leave her in the forest and to that point I directed
the steps of the prince your son. Conceal from both of them their birth
and your own and do not allow Violette to see these bracelets, which
contain the portraits of her father and mother, nor the rich clothing
which I have replaced by other articles better suited to the quiet
existence she will lead here. I have here," said the fairy, "a casket of
precious stones. It contains the happiness of Violette but you must hide
them from all eyes and not open the casket until she shall have been
lost and found."
"I will execute your orders most faithfully, madam, but I pray you tell
me if my unhappy son must long wear his frightful covering."
"Patience! patience!" cried the fairy, "I watch over you, over Violette
and over your son. Inform Ourson of the faculty he has of exchanging his
skin with any one who loves him well enough to make this sacrifice for
his sake. Remember that no one must know the rank of Ourson or of
Violette. Passerose, on account of devotion, deserves to be the only one
initiated into this mystery and she can always be trusted. Adieu,
queen; count always upon my protection. Here is a ring, which you must
place upon your little finger. As long as you wear it there you will
want for nothing."
Waving her farewell with her hand, the fairy took the form of a lark and
flew away singing merrily.
Agnella and Passerose looked at each other. Agnella sighed, Passerose
smiled.
"Let us hide this precious casket, dear queen, and the clothing of
Violette. I am going now to see what the fairy has prepared for
Violette's dress to-morrow morning."
She ran quickly and opened the wardrobe, and found it filled with
clothing, linen and hosiery, all plain but good and comfortable. After
having looked at all, counted all and approved all and after having
assisted Agnella to undress, Passerose went to bed and was soon sound
asleep.
THE DREAM
In the morning Ourson was the first awake, aroused by the lowing of the
cow. He rubbed his eyes and looked about him and asked himself why he
was in a stable. Then he recalled the events of the day before, sprang
up from his bundle of hay and ran quickly to the fountain to wash his
face.
While he was washing, Passerose, who had like Ourson risen at a very
early hour and had come out to milk the cow, left the house-door open.
Ourson entered quietly and proceeded to the chamber of his mother, who
was still sleeping. He drew back the curtains from Violette's bed and
found her sleeping as peacefully as Agnella.
Ourson watched her for a long time and was happy to see that she smiled
in her dreams. Suddenly Violette's brow contracted and she uttered a cry
of alarm, half raised herself in the bed, and throwing her little arms
around Ourson's neck, she exclaimed:
"Ourson! good Ourson! save poor Violette! poor Violette is in the water
and a wicked toad is pulling Violette!"
She now awoke, weeping bitterly, with all the symptoms of great alarm.
She clasped Ourson tightly with her little arms: he tried in vain to
reassure and control her but she still exclaimed:
"Wicked toad! good Ourson! save Violette!"
Agnella, who had awaked at her first cry, could not yet understand
Violette's alarm but she succeeded at last in calming her and the child
told her dream.
"Violette was walking with Ourson but he did not give his hand to
Violette nor look at her. A wicked toad came and pulled Violette into
the water; she fell and called Ourson; he came and saved Violette. She
loves good Ourson," she added, in a tender voice; "will never forget
him."
Saying these words, Violette threw herself into his arms. He, no longer
fearing the effect of his bear-skin, embraced her a thousand times and
comforted and encouraged her.
Agnella had no doubt that this dream was a warning sent by the fairy
Drolette. She resolved to watch carefully over Violette and to make
known to Ourson all that she could reveal to him without disobeying the
fairy.
When she had washed and dressed Violette, she called Ourson to
breakfast. Passerose brought them a bowl of milk fresh from the cow,
some good brown bread and a pot of butter. Violette, who was hungry,
shouted for joy when she saw this good breakfast.
"Violette loves good milk, good bread, good butter, loves everything
here, with good Ourson and good Mamma Ourson!"
"I am not called Mamma Ourson," said Agnella, laughing; "call me only
Mamma."
"Oh no, no! not mamma!" cried Violette, shaking her head sadly. "Mamma!
mamma is lost! she was always sleeping, never walking, never taking care
of poor Violette, never kissing little Violette, Mamma Ourson speaks,
walks, kisses Violette and dresses her. I love Mamma Ourson, oh, so
much!" she said, seizing Agnella's hand and pressing it to her heart.
Agnella replied by clasping her tenderly in her arms.
Ourson was much moved--his eyes were moist. Violette perceived this and
passing her hand over his eyes, she said, entreatingly:
"I pray you don't cry, Ourson; if you cry, Violette must cry too."
"No, no, dear little girl, I will cry no more. Let us eat our breakfast
and then we will take a walk."
They breakfasted with good appetites. Violette clapped her hands
frequently and exclaimed:
"Oh how good it is! I love it! I am very glad!"
After breakfast, Ourson and Violette went out to walk while Agnella and
Passerose attended to the house. Ourson played with Violette and
gathered her flowers and strawberries. She said to him:
"We will always walk with each other. You must always play with
Violette."
"I cannot always play, little girl. I have to help mamma and Passerose
to work."
"What sort of work, Ourson?"
"To sweep, scour, take care of the cow, cut the grass and bring wood and
water."
"Violette will work with Ourson."
"You are too little, dear Violette, but still you can try."
When they returned to the house, Ourson started on his various tasks.
Violette followed him everywhere, she did her best and believed that she
was helping him but she was really too small to be useful. After some
days had passed away, she began to wash the cups and saucers, spread the
cloth, fold the linen and wipe the table. She went to the milking with
Passerose, helped to strain the milk and skim it and wash the marble
flag-stones. She was never out of temper, never disobedient and never
answered impatiently or angrily.
Ourson loved her more and more from day to day. Agnella and Passerose
were also very fond of her and the more so because they knew that she
was Ourson's cousin.
Violette loved them but Ourson most of all. How could she help loving
this good boy, who always forgot himself for her, who was constantly
seeking to amuse and please her and who would indeed have been willing
to die for his little friend?
One day, when Passerose had taken Violette with her to market, Agnella
related to Ourson the sad circumstances which had preceded his birth.
She revealed to him the possibility of his getting rid of his hairy skin
and receiving a smooth white skin in exchange if he could ever find any
one who would voluntarily make this sacrifice from affection and
gratitude.
"Never," cried Ourson, "never will I propose or accept such a sacrifice.
I will never consent to devote a being who loves me to that life of
wretchedness which the vengeance of the fairy Furious has condemned me
to endure; never, from a wish of mine, shall a heart capable of such a
sacrifice suffer all that I have suffered and all that I still suffer
from the fear and antipathy of men."
Agnella argued in vain against this firm and noble resolve of Ourson. He
declared that she must never again speak to him of this exchange, to
which he would most assuredly never give his consent and that it must
never be named to Violette or any other person who loved him.
Agnella promised compliance, after a few weak arguments. In reality she
approved and admired his sentiments. She could not but hope, however,
that the fairy Drolette would recompense the generous and noble
character of her little charge and, by some extraordinary exercise of
her power, release him from his hairy skin.
THE TOAD AGAIN
Some years passed away in this peaceful manner without the occurrence of
any remarkable event. Ourson and Violette both grew rapidly. Agnella
thought no more of Violette's frightful dream; her vigilance had greatly
relaxed and she often allowed her to walk alone or under the care of
Ourson.
Ourson was now fifteen years of age and he was tall and strong. No one
could say whether he was handsome or homely for his long black hair
covered his body and face entirely. He was good, generous and
loving--always ready to render a service, always contented and cheerful.
Since the day when he had found Violette in the wood his melancholy had
disappeared; he was utterly indifferent to the general antipathy which
he inspired and he no longer walked in uninhabited places but lived
happily in the circle of the three beings whom he cherished and who
loved him supremely.
Violette was now ten years old and she had not lost a single sweet charm
of her beauty in growing up. Her eyes were softer and more angelic, her
complexion fresher and purer, her mouth more beautiful and arch in its
expression. She had grown much in height--was tall, light and graceful
and her rich blonde hair, when unbound, fell to her feet and entirely
enveloped her like a veil. Passerose had the care of this superb hair
and Agnella never ceased to admire it.
Violette had learned many things during those seven years. Agnella had
taught her how to do housework. In other things, Ourson had been her
teacher. He had taught her to read, write and keep accounts and he often
read aloud to her while she was sewing. Instructive and amusing books
were found in her room without any one knowing where they came from.
There was also clothing and other necessary objects for Violette,
Ourson, Agnella and Passerose. There was no longer any necessity for
going to market to sell or the neighboring village to buy. Through the
agency of the ring on Agnella's little finger everything they wished
for, or had need of, was speedily brought to them.
One day when Ourson was walking with Violette she stumbled against a
stone, fell and hurt her foot. Ourson was frightened when he saw his
cherished Violette bleeding. He did not know what to do to relieve her;
he saw how much she suffered, for, notwithstanding all her efforts, she
could not suppress the tears which escaped from her eyes but finally he
remembered that a brook flowed not ten paces from them.
"Dear Violette," he said, "lean upon me and we will endeavor to reach
the rivulet--the fresh water will relieve you."
Violette tried to walk while Ourson supported her. He succeeded in
seating her on the borders of the stream where she took off her shoe and
bathed her delicate little foot in the fresh flowing water.
"I will run to the house, dear Violette, and bring some linen to wrap up
your foot. Wait for me, I shall not be long absent and take good care
not to get nearer the stream for this little brook is deep and if you
slip you might drown."
When Ourson was out of sight Violette felt an uneasiness which she
attributed to the pain caused by her wound. An unaccountable repulsion
made her feel inclined to withdraw her foot from the water in which it
was hanging. Before she decided to obey this strange impulse she saw the
water troubled and the head of an enormous toad appear upon the surface.
The great swollen angry eyes of the loathsome animal were fixed upon
Violette, who since her dream had always had a dread of toads. The
appearance of this hideous creature, its monstrous swollen body and
menacing glance, froze her with such horror that she could neither move
nor cry out.
[Illustration: _"Ah, ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!"_]
"Ah! ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!" said the toad. "I
am the fairy Furious, the enemy of your family. I have been lying in
wait for you a long time and should have had you before if my sister,
the fairy Drolette, had not protected you and sent you a dream to warn
you against me. Ourson whose hairy skin is a talisman of safety is now
absent, my sister is on a journey and you are at last mine."
Saying these words, she seized Violette's foot with her cold and shining
paws and tried to draw her down into the water. Violette uttered the
most piercing shrieks; she struggled and caught hold of the plants and
shrubs growing on the borders of the stream. The first, alas, gave way,
and Violette in despair seized hold of others.
"Ourson! oh, Ourson! help! help! dear Ourson, save me, save your poor
Violette! I am perishing! save me! help! help!"
The fairy Furious, in the form of a toad, was about to carry her off.
The last shrub had given way and Violette's last cry was hushed.
The poor Violette disappeared under the water just as another cry, more
despairing, more terrible, answered to her own. But, alas! her hair
alone appeared above the water when Ourson reached the spot, breathless
and panting with terror. He had heard Violette's cries and had turned
back with the rapidity of lightning.
Without a moment's hesitation he sprang into the water and seized
Violette by her long hair but he felt instantly that he was sinking
with her. The fairy Furious was drawing them to the bottom of the
stream. He knew he was sinking but he did not lose his self-possession.
Instead of releasing Violette, he seized her both arms and invoked the
fairy Drolette. When they reached the bottom, he gave one vigorous
stroke with his heel which brought him again to the surface. Holding
Violette securely with one arm, he swam sturdily with the other and
through some supernatural force he reached the shore where he deposited
the unconscious Violette.
Her eyes were closed, her teeth tightly clenched and the pallor of death
was on her face. Ourson threw himself on his knees by her side weeping
bitterly. Brave Ourson, whom no dangers could intimidate, no privation,
no suffering could master, now wept like a child. His sweet sister, so
well beloved! his only friend, his consolation, his happiness was lying
there motionless, lifeless! Ourson's strength and courage had deserted
him and he sank down without consciousness by the side of his beloved
Violette.
At this moment a lark flew rapidly up, approached Violette and Ourson,
gave one stroke of her little beak to Ourson and another to Violette and
disappeared.
Ourson was not the only one who replied to the shrieks of Violette.
Passerose had heard them and then the more terrible cry of Ourson which
succeeded them. She ran to the house to apprise Agnella and they both
ran rapidly toward the stream from which the cries for help seemed to
come.
On approaching, they saw with surprise and alarm that Violette and
Ourson were lying on the ground in a state of unconsciousness. Passerose
placed her hand on Violette's heart and felt it still beating. Agnella
ascertained at the same moment that Ourson was still living. She
directed Passerose to take Violette home, undress her and put her to bed
while she endeavored to restore consciousness to Ourson with salts and
other restoratives before conducting him to the farm. Ourson was too
tall and heavy to be carried while Violette, on the contrary, was light
and it was easy for Passerose to carry her to the house. When she
arrived there, she was soon restored to animation. It was some moments
before she was conscious. She was still agitated with a vague
remembrance of terror but without knowing what had alarmed her.
During this time the tender care of Agnella had restored Ourson to life.
He opened his eyes, gazed tenderly at his mother and threw himself
weeping upon her neck.
"Mother, dear mother!" he exclaimed, "my Violette, my beloved sister,
has perished! Let me die with her!"
"Be composed, my son," replied Agnella; "Violette still lives. Passerose
has carried her to the house and will bestow upon her all the attention
she requires."
Ourson seemed to revive on hearing these words. He rose and wished to
run to the farm but his second thought was consideration for his mother
and he restrained his impatience to suit her steps. On their way to the
farm he told his mother all that he knew of the events which had almost
cost Violette and himself their lives. He added that the slime from the
mouth of the fairy Furious had left a strange dulness in his head.
Agnella now told him how Passerose and herself had found them stretched
unconscious upon the border of the stream. They soon arrived at the
farm, and Ourson, still dripping, rushed into Violette's presence.
On seeing him Violette remembered everything and she sprang towards him.
She threw her arms around him and wept upon his bosom. Ourson also wept
and Agnella and Passerose were both in tears. It was a concert of
emotion, enough to soften all hearts. Passerose put an end to it by
crying out:
"Would not one say--ha! ha!--that we were the most--ha! ha!--unfortunate
people--ha! ha!--in the universe!--Look at our poor Ourson, wet as a
water-reed, bathing himself in his own and Violette's tears. Courage,
children, courage and happiness! See, we are all alive, thanks to
Ourson."
"Oh, yes!" interrupted Violette; "thanks to Ourson--to my dear, my
well-beloved Ourson. How shall I ever repay him for all I owe him? How
can I ever testify my profound gratitude, my tender affection?"
"By loving me always as you do now, my dear Violette, my sister. Ah! if
it has indeed been in my power to render you some little service, have
you not changed my whole existence? Have you not made me gay and
happy--me who was so wretched and so miserable before? Are you not every
day and every hour of the day the consolation and happiness of my life
and of that of my excellent mother?"
Violette was still weeping and she answered only by pressing more
tenderly to her heart her Ourson, her adopted brother.
"Dear son," said his mother, "you are dripping wet. Go and change your
clothing. Violette has need of some hours' repose. We will meet again at
dinner."
Violette consented to go to bed but did not sleep for her heart was
melting, overflowing with gratitude and tenderness. She sought in vain
for some means of rewarding the devotion of Ourson. She could think of
no other way than that of trying to become perfect so as to increase the
happiness of Ourson and Agnella.
VIOLETTE'S SACRIFICE
When the dinner hour came, Violette arose, dressed herself and entered
the dining-room where Agnella and Passerose were awaiting her. Ourson
was not there.
"Ourson is not with you, mother," said Violette.
"I have not seen him," said Agnella.
"Nor I," said Passerose; "I will go and seek him."
She entered his chamber and found him seated upon his bed, his head
resting upon his arm.
"Come, Ourson, come quick; we are waiting dinner for you."
"I cannot come," said Ourson, in a weak voice; "I have a strange
heaviness in my head."