The prince was wild with joy at the pigeon's return with the
note. After an hour's rest the trusty little bird was sent back
again, carrying a miniature of the prince, which by good luck he
had with him.

On reaching the tower the pigeon found the princess in the
garden. She hastened to untie the ribbon, and on opening the
miniature case what was her surprise and delight to find it very
like the picture her governess had painted for her. She hastened
to send the pigeon back, and you can fancy the prince's joy when
he found she had kept his portrait.

‘Now,' said the fairy, ‘let us lose no more time. I can only make
you happy by changing you into a bird, but I will take care to
give you back your proper shape at the right time.'

The prince was eager to start, so the fairy, touching him with
her wand, turned him into the loveliest humming-bird you ever
saw, at the same time letting him keep the power of speech. The
pigeon was told to show him the way.

Graziella was much surprised to see a perfectly strange bird, and
still more so when it flew to her saying, ‘Good-morning, sweet
princess.'

She was delighted with the pretty creature, and let him perch on
her finger, when he said, ‘Kiss, kiss, little birdie,' which she
gladly did, petting and stroking him at the same time.