“I have never had occasion to use it,” said he, “though it has always made me happy to remember that I had such a thing in the house. The wish is as good as new, and my daughter is now of an age to appreciate so valuable a present.” To which the fairy replied by return of butterfly:— “DEAR KING,—Pray do whatever you like with my poor little present. I had quite forgotten it, but I am pleased to think that you have treasured my humble keepsake all these years. “Your affectionate godmother, “FORTUNA F.” So the King unlocked his gold safe with the seven diamond-handled keys that hung at his girdle, and took out the wish and gave it to his daughter. And Melisande said: “Father, I will wish that all your subjects should be quite happy.” But they were that already, because the King and Queen were so good. So the wish did not go off. So then she said: “Then I wish them all to be good.” But they were that already, because they were happy. So again the wish hung fire. Then the Queen said: “Dearest, for my sake, wish what I tell you.” “Why, of course I will,” said Melisande. The Queen whispered in her ear, and Melisande nodded. Then she said, aloud— “I wish I had golden hair a yard long, and that it would grow an inch every day, and grow twice as fast every time it was cut, and——” “Stop,” cried the King. And the wish went off, and the next moment the Princess stood smiling at him through a shower of golden hair. “Oh, how lovely,” said the Queen. “What a pity you interrupted her, dear; she hadn’t finished.” “What was the end?” asked the King. “Oh,” said Melisande, “I was only going to say, ‘and twice as thick.’” “It’s a very good thing you didn’t,” said the King. “You’ve done about enough.” For he had a mathematical mind, and could do the sums about the grains of wheat on the chess-board, and the nails in the horse’s shoes, in his Royal head without any trouble at all. “Why, what’s the matter?” asked the Queen. “You’ll know soon enough,” said the King. “Come, let’s be happy while we may. Give me a kiss, little Melisande, and then go to nurse and ask her to teach you how to comb your hair.” “I know,” said Melisande, “I’ve often combed mother’s.” “Your mother has beautiful hair,” said the King; “but I fancy you will find your own less easy to manage.”