The staircases were of crystal , and every separate stair sang like a woodland bird as you put your foot on it . Round the palace were great gardens full of all the plants that grow in the sea , with diamonds for flowers . In a large hall the Groac ' h was lying on a couch of gold . The pink and white of her face reminded you of the shells of her palace , while her long black hair was intertwined with strings of coral , and her dress of green silk seemed formed out of the sea . At the sight of her Houarn stopped , dazzled by her beauty . ` Come in , ' said the Groac ` h , rising to her feet . ` Strangers and handsome youths are always welcome here . Do not be shy , but tell me how you found your way , and what you want . ' ` My name is Houarn , ' he answered , ` Lanillis is my home , and I am trying to earn enough money to buy a little cow and a pig to fatten . ' ` Well , you can easily get that , ' replied she ; ` it is nothing to worry about . Come in and enjoy yourself . ' And she beckoned him to follow her into a second hall whose floors and walls were formed of pearls , while down the sides there were tables laden with fruit and wines of all kinds ; and as he ate and drank , the Groac ' h talked to him and told him how the treasures he saw came from shipwrecked vessels , and were brought to her palace by a magic current of water . ' I do not wonder , ' exclaimed Houarn , who now felt quite at home -- ' I do not wonder that the people on the earth have so much to say about you . ' ` The rich are always envied . ' ` For myself , ' he added , with a laugh , ' I only ask for the half of your wealth . ' ` You can have it , if you will , Houarn , ' answered the fairy . ` What do you mean ? ' cried he . ` My husband , Korandon , is dead , ' she replied , ` and if you wish it , I will marry you . ' The young man gazed at her in surprise .
Could any one so rich and so beautiful really wish XXXXX be his wife ?
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