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104
FAIRY BOOK.

The queen herself broke it from the stem, and gave it to the maiden, saying,—

"Take it! it is my choicest gift. Till it fades (which will never be), love will be thine; and, in time to come, it will have power to open the strongest locks, and swing back the heaviest doors.

'Gates of brass cannot withstand
One touch of this magic wand.'"

Blanche looked up to thank the queen; but no words came,—only tears.

"I see a wish in thine eyes" said Fontana.

"It is for Victor," faltered Blanche, at last: "he wishes to be rich and great."

The queen looked grave.

"Shall I make him one of the great men of the earth, little Blanche? Then he may