and storms. I also made marvellous palaces and gardens wonderful as
Aladdin's. All my dreams of enchanted regions, of strange tropical
luxuries, which I later found in the distant corners of the world, took
form in the little play of the "Donkey's Skin." Leaving out the mystical
experiences at the commencement of my life, I can affirm that almost all
my fancies had their essay on that tiny stage. I was nearly fifteen when
the last decorations, unfinished ones, were laid away forever in the
cardboard box that served them for a peaceful tomb.

And since I have anticipated their future I will say in conclusion
that in later years, when Jeanne had grown into a beautiful woman, upon
numerous occasions we have planned to open the box where our little
dolls are sleeping. But we live our life so rapidly that we seem never
to find the time, nor will we, I fear, ever find it.

Later our children may,--or who can tell, perhaps our grandchildren!
Upon some future day, when we are forgotten, our unknown descendants
in ferreting to the bottom of old cupboards will be astonished to
find there numberless little creatures, nymphs, fairies and genii, all
dressed by our hands.




CHAPTER XXXVI.



It is said that many children who live in the central provinces, away
from the ocean, have a great longing to see it. I who had never been