The Fairy Ring

their departure the boat landed Yvon and Finette near Kerver Castle. Once on shore, Yvon turned to thank the crew.

hour's walk would bring him in sight of the towers of the old castle. His heart beat; he looked tenderly at Finette, an

her is it fitting that you should enter our great castle on foot like a peasant. Wait for me a few moments, and I will bring you a horse and one of my sister's

it me, I beg you. Once returned to your

h an insult, I would teach him with my sword to suspect a Kerver.

justice that none will deny them. It was useless for poor Finette to plead in her most lovi

e stable, and return as soon as possible. You will be surrounded by people; act as if you saw no one, and, above

weakness. He was sure of himself; and he thought with pride how different a Breton was from

es groaning under their weight; on the other, musicians, mounted on casks, were playing merry airs. The vassals, dressed in their holiday attire, were singing and dancing, and dancing and singing. It was a day of great r

f some queen? Had the fairies protected him? How many rivals had he overthrown? All these questions were showered upon him without reply. Yvon respectfully kissed his father's hand, hastened to his sisters' chamber, took two of their finest dresses, went to the sta

e was about to cross the drawbridge, a fair-haired lady, with a haughty and disdainful air, a stran

irst request. Taste this pomegranate, I entreat you. If you are neither hungry nor thirsty af

ong. Scarcely had he tasted the pomegranate when

is pony that I am leading? Is not my place in my father's h

offered his hand to the fair-haired lady, who accepted him as her attendan

othed couple in the castle. Yvon had pledged his f