In a little while it happened just as the fairies had foretold , and a baby girl was born in the palace . Of course both the king and queen were delighted , and the child was called Desiree , which means ` desired , ' for she had been ` desired ' for five years before her birth . At first the queen could think of nothing but her new plaything , but then she remembered the fairies who had sent it to her . Bidding her ladies bring her the posy of jewelled flowers which had been given her at the palace , she took each flower in her hand and called it by name , and , in turn , each fairy appeared before her . But , as unluckily often happens , the one to whom she owed the most , the crab-fairy , was forgotten , and by this , as in the case of other babies you have read about , much mischief was wrought . However , for the moment all was gaiety in the palace , and everybody inside ran to the windows to watch the fairies ' carriages , for no two were alike . One had a car of ebony , drawn by white pigeons , another was lying back in her ivory chariot , driving ten black crows , while the rest had chosen rare woods or many-coloured sea-shells , with scarlet and blue macaws , long-tailed peacocks , or green love-birds for horses . These carriages were only used on occasions of state , for when they went to war flying dragons , fiery serpents , lions or leopards , took the place of the beautiful birds . The fairies entered the queen 's chamber followed by little dwarfs who carried their presents and looked much prouder than their mistresses . One by one their burdens were spread upon the ground , and no one had ever seen such lovely things . Everything that a baby could possibly wear or play with was there , and besides , they had other and more precious gifts to give her , which only children who have fairies for godmothers can ever hope to possess . They were all gathered round the heap of pink cushions on which the baby lay asleep , when a shadow seemed to fall between them and the sun , while a cold wind blew through the room . Everybody looked up , and there was the crab-fairy , who had grown as tall as the ceiling in her anger . ` So I am forgotten ! ' cried she , in a voice so loud that the queen trembled as she heard it . ` Who was it soothed you in your trouble ? Who was it led you to the fairies ? Who was it brought you back in safety to your home again ? Yet I -- I -- am overlooked , while these who have done nothing in comparison , are petted and thanked . ' The queen , almost dumb with terror , in vain tried to think of some explanation or apology ; but there was none , and she could only confess her fault and implore forgiveness .
The fairies also did their best XXXXX soften the wrath of their sister , and knowing that , like many plain people who are not fairies , she was very vain , they entreated her to drop her crab 's disguise , and to become once more the charming person they were accustomed to see .
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