"I was ill for a long time," replied Coralie. "When I got well, mamma and papa gave me the necklace."
A loud cry rose from all. The diamonds of the clasp had grown dim. They now looked like coarse glass.
"Yes, indeed, I have been ill! What are you making such a fuss about?"
At this second falsehood the amethysts, in turn, changed to ugly yellow stones. A new cry arose. Coralie was frightened at the strange behaviour of the necklace.
"I have been to the enchanter Merlin," she said very humbly.
Immediately the necklace looked as beautiful as ever. But the children teased her.
"You need not laugh," said Coralie, "for Merlin was very glad to see us. He sent his carriage to the next town to meet us. Such a splendid carriage, with six white horses, pink satin cushions, and a negro coachman with powdered hair. Merlin's palace is all of jasper and gold. He met us at the door and led us to the dining-room. There stood a long table covered with delicious things to eat. First of all we ate——"
Coralie stopped, for the children were laughing till the tears rolled down their cheeks. She glanced at the necklace and shuddered. With each new falsehood, the necklace had become longer and longer, till it already dragged on the ground.
"Coralie, you are stretching the truth," cried the girls.
"Well, I confess it. We walked, and we stayed there only five minutes."