Soon the neighbours whispered their surprise among themselves , for Tephany had not been able to resist the pleasure of putting the feather in her hair for some of the people who despised her for her poor clothes , and many were the jokes she made about them . Of course they heard of her jests , and shook their heads saying : ` She is an ill-natured little cat , and the man that marries her will find that it is she who will hold the reins and drive the horse . ' It was not long before Denis began to agree with them , and as he always liked to be master wherever he went , he became afraid of Tephany 's sharp tongue , and instead of laughing as before when she made fun of other people he grew red and uncomfortable , thinking that his turn would come next . So matters went on till one evening Denis told Tephany that he really could not stay a moment , as he had promised to go to a dance that was to be held in the next village . Tephany 's face fell ; she had worked hard all day , and had been counting on a quiet hour with Denis . She did her best to persuade him to remain with her , but he would not listen , and at last she grew angry . ` Oh , I know why you are so anxious not to miss the dance , ' she said ; ` it is because Aziliez of Pennenru will be there . ' Now Aziliez was the loveliest girl for miles round , and she and Denis had known each other from childhood . ` Oh yes , Aziliez will be there , ' answered Denis , who was quite pleased to see her jealous , ` and naturally one would go a long way to watch her dance . ' ` Go then ! ' cried Tephany , and entering the house she slammed the door behind her . Lonely and miserable she sat down by the fire and stared into the red embers . Then , flinging the feather from her hair , she put her head on her hands , and sobbed passionately . ` What is the use of being clever when it is beauty that men want ? That is what I ought to have asked for . But it is too late , Denis will never come back . ' ` Since you wish it so much you shall have beauty , ' said a voice at her side , and looking round she beheld the old woman leaning on her stick . ` Fasten this necklace round your neck , and as long as you wear it you will be the most beautiful woman in the world , ' continued the fairy . With a little shriek of joy Tephany took the necklace , and snapping the clasp ran to the mirror which hung in the corner . Ah , this time she was not afraid of Aziliez or of any other girl , for surely none could be as fair and white as she .
And with the sight XXXXX her face a thought came to her , and putting on hastily her best dress and her buckled shoes she hurried off to the dance .
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