At last she decided on two very kindly and cheerful fairies , and asked them to the christening feast . Directly it was over the baby was brought to them in a lovely crystal cradle hung with red silk curtains embroidered with gold . The little thing smiled so sweetly at the fairies that they decided to do all they could for her . They began by naming her Graziella , and then Placida said : ` You know , dear sisters , that the commonest form of spite or punishment amongst us consists of changing beauty to ugliness , cleverness to stupidity , and oftener still to change a person 's form altogether . Now , as we can only each bestow one gift , I think the best plan will be for one of you to give her beauty , the other good understanding , whilst I will undertake that she shall never be changed into any other form . ' The two godmothers quite agreed , and as soon as the little princess had received their gifts , they went home , and Placida gave herself up to the child 's education . She succeeded so well with it , and little Graziella grew so lovely , that when she was still quite a child her fame was spread abroad only too much , and one day Placida was surprised by a visit from the Fairy Queen , who was attended by a very grave and severe-looking fairy . The queen began at once : ' I have been much surprised by your behaviour to Mutinosa ; she had insulted our whole race , and deserved punishment . You might forgive your own wrongs if you chose , but not those of others . You treated her very gently whilst she was with you , and I come now to avenge our wrongs on her daughter . You have ensured her being lovely and clever , and not subject to change of form , but I shall place her in an enchanted prison , which she shall never leave till she finds herself in the arms of a lover whom she herself loves . It will be my care to prevent anything of the kind happening . ' The enchanted prison was a large high tower in the midst of the sea , built of shells of all shapes and colours . The lower floor was like a great bathroom , where the water was let in or off at will . The first floor contained the princess 's apartments , beautifully furnished . On the second was a library , a large wardrobe-room filled with beautiful clothes and every kind of linen , a music room , a pantry with bins full of the best wines , and a store-room with all manner of preserves , bonbons , pastry and cakes , all of which remained as fresh as if just out of the oven . The top of the tower was laid out like a garden , with beds of the loveliest flowers , fine fruit trees , and shady arbours and shrubs , where many birds sang amongst the branches . The fairies escorted Graziella and her governess , Bonnetta , to the tower , and then mounted a dolphin which was waiting for them . At a little distance from the tower the queen waved her wand and summoned two thousand great fierce sharks , whom she ordered to keep close guard , and not to let a soul enter the tower . The good governess took such pains with Graziella 's education that when she was nearly grown up she was not only most accomplished , but a very sweet , good girl .
One day , XXXXX the princess was standing on a balcony , she saw the most extraordinary figure rise out of the sea .
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