cried Cornichon , as soon as they were left alone ; ` now that we are once more united , let our past troubles be forgotten . ' ` Our past troubles ! ' answered she , ` and what do you call our lost beauty and the dreadful future before us ? You are looking fifty years older than when I saw you last , and I know too well that fate has treated me no better ! ' ` Ah , do not say that , ' replied Cornichon , clasping her hand , ` You are different , it is true ; but every age has its graces , and surely no woman of sixty was ever handsomer than you ! If your eyes had been as bright as of yore they would have matched badly with your faded skin . The wrinkles which I notice on your forehead explain the increased fulness of your cheeks , and your throat in withering is elegant in decay . Thus the harmony shown by your features , even as they grow old , is the best proof of their former beauty . ` Oh , monster , ' cried Toupette , bursting into tears , ` is that all the comfort you can give me ? ' ` But , Toupette , ' answered Cornichon ; ` you used to declare that you did not care for beauty , as long as you had my heart . ' ` Yes , I know , ' said she , ` but how can you go on caring for a person who is as old and plain as I ? ' ` Toupette , Toupette , ' replied Cornichon , ` you are only talking nonsense . My heart is as much yours as ever it was , and nothing in the world can make any difference . ' At this point of the conversation the Prince Zeprady entered the room , with the news that the genius , full of regret for his behaviour , had given Cornichon full permission to depart for Bagota as soon as he liked , and to take Toupette with him ; adding that , though he begged they would excuse his taking leave of them before they went , he hoped , before long , to visit them at Bagota . Neither of the lovers slept that night -- Cornichon from joy at returning home , Toupette from dread of the blow to her vanity which awaited her at Bagota . It was hopeless for Cornichon to try to console her during the journey with the reasons he had given the day before . She only grew worse and worse , and when they reached the palace went straight to her old apartments , entreating the fairy to allow both herself and Cornichon to remain concealed , and to see no one . For some time after their arrival the fairy was taken up with the preparations for the rejoicings which were to celebrate the peace , and with the reception of the genius , who was determined to do all in his power to regain Selnozoura 's lost friendship . Cornichon and Toupette were therefore left entirely to themselves , and though this was only what they wanted , still , they began to feel a little neglected . 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 XXXXX the room , but Cornichon , forgetting that he was now no longer a boy of fourteen , ran to meet them .
At For after as before in of than though to