Now it was twined round her head in a flowery crown, and then it gracefully unwound itself, as if it were a thing alive.

Ever and anon the little dancer poised herself for an instant on the point of one fairy foot, her cheeks glowing with exercise and dimpling with smiles, as she met her father's delighted gaze.

Every attitude seemed spontaneous in its prettiness, as if the music had made it without her choice.

At last she danced toward her father, and sank, with a wave-like motion, on the ottoman at his feet.
He patted the glossy head that nestled lovingly on his knee, and drawing a long breath, as if oppressed with happiness, he murmured, "Ah, Mignonne!" The floating fairy vision had given such exquisite pleasure, that all had been absorbed in watching its variations.

Now they looked at each other and smiled.