At length a thought struck her , which seemed the only way of satisfying both parties , and she asked the fairy to call together all the court and the people to hear her decision . ` Happy is he , ' she began , ` who can repair the evil he has caused , but happier he who has never caused any . ' As nobody contradicted this remark , she continued : ` To me it is only allowed to undo one half of the mischief I have wrought . I could restore you your youth , ' she said to Cornichon , ` or your beauty , ' turning to Toupette . ' I will do both ; and I will do neither . ' A murmur of curiosity arose from the crowd , while Cornichon and Toupette trembled with astonishment . ` No , ' went on Dindonette , ` never should I have the cruelty to leave one of you to decay , while the other enjoys the glory of youth . And as I can not restore you both at once to what you were , one half of each of your bodies shall become young again , while the other half goes on its way to decay . I will leave it to you to choose which half it shall be -- if I shall draw a line round the waist , or a line straight down the middle of the body . ' She looked about her proudly , expecting applause for her clever idea . But Cornichon and Toupette were shaking with rage and disappointment , and everyone else broke into shouts of laughter . In pity for the unhappy lovers , Selnozoura came forward . ` Do you not think , ' she said , ` that instead of what you propose , it would be better to let them take it in turns to enjoy their former youth and beauty for a fixed time ? I am sure you could easily manage that . ' ` What an excellent notion ! ' cried Dindonette . ` Oh , yes , of course that is best ! Which of you shall I touch first ? ' ` Touch her , ' replied Cornichon , who was always ready to give way to Toupette . ' I know her heart too well to fear any change . '
So the fairy bent forward and touched her XXXXX her magic ring , and in one instant the old woman was a girl again .
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