In a moment not a tail or a whisker was to be seen . Each one had made for his hole as fast as his legs could carry him , so that the Princess could safely take her pot of pinks . She found them nearly dying for want of water , and hastily poured all that was left in the pitcher upon them . As she bent over them , enjoying their delicious scent , a soft voice , that seemed to rustle among the leaves , said : `` Lovely Felicia , the day has come at last when I may have the happiness of telling you how even the flowers love you and rejoice in your beauty . '' The Princess , quite overcome by the strangeness of hearing a cabbage , a hen , and a pink speak , and by the terrible sight of an army of rats , suddenly became very pale , and fainted away . At this moment in came Bruno . Working hard in the heat had not improved his temper , and when he saw that Felicia had succeeded in finding her pinks he was so angry that he dragged her out into the garden and shut the door upon her . The fresh air soon made her open her pretty eyes , and there before her stood the Queen of the Woods , looking as charming as ever . `` You have a bad brother , '' she said ; `` I saw he turned you out . Shall I punish him for it ? '' `` Ah ! no , madam , '' she said ; `` I am not angry with him . `` But supposing he was not your brother , after all , what would you say then ? '' asked the Queen . `` Oh ! but I think he must be , '' said Felicia . `` What ! '' said the Queen , `` have you not heard that you are a Princess ? '' `` I was told so a little while ago , madam , but how could I believe it without a single proof ? '' `` Ah !
dear child , '' said the Queen , `` the way you speak assures me XXXXX , in spite of your humble upbringing , you are indeed a real princess , and I can save you from being treated in such a way again . ''
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