Very soon she led her visitor into the great hall , where wine and fruit were always waiting , and on the table lay the magic knife , left there by Houarn . Unseen by the Groac ` h , Bellah hid it in a pocket of her green coat , and then followed her hostess into the garden , and to the pond which contained the fish , their sides shining with a thousand different colours . ` Oh ! what beautiful , beautiful creatures ! ' said she . ` I 'm sure I should never be tired of watching them . ' And she sat down on the bank , with her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands , her eyes fixed on the fishes as they flashed past . ` Would you not like to stay here always ? ' asked the Groac ` h ; and Bellah answered that she desired nothing better . ` Then you have only to marry me , ' said the Groac ` h. ` Oh ! do n't say no , for I have fallen deeply in love with you . ' ` Well , I wo n't say `` No , '' ' replied Bellah , with a laugh , ` but you must promise first to let me catch one of those lovely fish in your net . ' ` It is not so easy as it looks , ' rejoined the Groac ` h , smiling , ` but take it , and try your luck . ' Bellah took the net which the Groac ' h held out , and , turning rapidly , flung it over the witch 's head . ` Become in body what you are in soul ! ' cried she , and in an instant the lovely fairy of the sea was a toad , horrible to look upon . She struggled hard to tear the net asunder , but it was no use . Bellah only drew it the tighter , and , flinging the sorceress into a pit , she rolled a great stone across the mouth , and left her . As she drew near the pond she saw a great procession of fishes advancing to meet her , crying in hoarse tones : ` This is our lord and master , who has saved us from the net of steel and the pot of gold ! ' ` And who will restore you to your proper shapes , ' said Bellah , drawing the knife from her pocket .
But just as she was going XXXXX touch the foremost fish , her eyes fell on a green frog on his knees beside her , his little paws crossed over his little heart .
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