He turned the key and threw open the door, but he scarce dared look inside. He dreaded what he might see there.
When he did summon courage, however, what was his wonder to see not only his wife, but there in her arms the three children they had lost. He could hardly believe his eyes and was well-nigh crazy with joy. Flinging himself on his knees before her, he begged her to forgive him for having doubted her and for having left her as he had done.
Matilda, who was all mildness and sweetness, raised him from his knees and placed the children in his arms.
“See,” said she, “you have no longer any reason to mistrust me. These are our own dear children whom the nixie has returned to us.”
She then told the count the whole story, and when she came to an end they kissed each other and the children, and from that time on they lived in mutual love and happiness.
As for the wicked old countess, unless she died of spite, she may be living and wandering over the world to this very day.
WHY THE ANIMALS NO LONGER FEAR THE SHEEP
A FRENCH CREOLE STORY
LONG, long ago, when the animals were not as wise as they are now, they were all very much afraid of the sheep. Even the lion and tiger were afraid of him. They had never seen him angry, but he had such a solemn look, and his beard was so long, and his horns so strong and curly, that they were sure he would be very dangerous indeed if he were once roused.