At length , one morning , they saw from the windows that the fairy and the genius were approaching , in state , with all their courtiers in attendance . Toupette instantly hid herself in the darkest corner of the room , but Cornichon , forgetting that he was now no longer a boy of fourteen , ran to meet them . In so doing he tripped and fell , bruising one of his eyes severely . At the sight of her lover lying helpless on the floor , Toupette hastened to his side ; but her feeble legs gave way under her , and she fell almost on top of him , knocking out three of her loosened teeth against his forehead . The fairy , who entered the room at this moment , burst into tears , and listened in silence to the genius , who hinted that by-and-by everything would be put right . ` At the last assembly of the fairies , ' he said , ` when the doings of each fairy were examined and discussed , a proposal was made to lessen , as far as possible , the mischief caused by Dindonette by enchanting the fountain . And it was decided that , as she had meant nothing but kindness , she should have the power of undoing one half of the spell . Of course she might always have destroyed the fatal fountain , which would have been best of all ; but this she never thought of . Yet , in spite of this , her heart is so good , that I am sure that the moment she hears that she is wanted she will fly to help . Only , before she comes , it is for you , Madam , to make up your mind which of the two shall regain their former strength and beauty . ' At these words the fairy 's soul sank . Both Cornichon and Toupette were equally dear to her , and how could she favour one at the cost of the other ? As to the courtiers , none of the men were able to understand why she hesitated a second to declare for Toupette ; while the ladies were equally strong on the side of Cornichon . But , however undecided the fairy might be , it was quite different with Cornichon and Toupette . ` Ah , my love , ' exclaimed Cornichon , ` at length I shall be able to give you the best proof of my devotion by showing you how I value the beauties of your mind above those of your body ! While the most charming women of the court will fall victims to my youth and strength , I shall think of nothing but how to lay them at your feet , and pay heart-felt homage to your age and wrinkles . ' ` Not so fast , ' interrupted Toupette , ' I do n't see why you should have it all . Why do you heap such humiliations upon me ? But I will trust to the justice of the fairy , who will not treat me so . ' Then she entered her own rooms , and refused to leave them , in spite of the prayers of Cornichon , who begged her to let him explain .
No one at the court thought or spoke of any other subject during the few days before the arrival of XXXXX , whom everybody expected to set things right in a moment .
Cornichon Dindonette Toupette fall heap heart humiliations morning prayers right