230 THE ROYAL RAM,

disappeared, and I saw a frightful fairy, whom I had known
from my youth. ‘ What!” cried I, ‘Ragotte, was all this done
by your orders ?’—‘ By whose orders else, do you think?” said
she: ‘have you never known my sentiments till now ? Consider
how low I stoop, and remember it is a fairy who addresses

 

 

 

you.—‘ But what do you ask?’ inquired 1; ¢ is it my crown,
my cities, or my treasure? '—‘ Neither,’ answered she, some-
what disdainfully ; ‘but I ask your heart. Ah! grant me your
affection, Jet me be your beloved Ragotte, and,’ added she,
contracting her mouth to look the more agreeable, and rolling
her eyes about, ¢ I will give you twenty kingdoms beside your
‘own, a hundred towers of gold, five hundred filled with silver,
and everything else you can possibly desire.’ In this dilemma
1 knew not how to act, but resolved to dissemble; and,
pretending a regard for her, begged she would restore me to