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And since frogs are such magical creatures, it was no surprise
that before a year had passed the Queen had a baby girl. The child was so
beautiful and sweet that the King could not contain himself for joy. He
prepared a great feast and invited all his friends, family and neighbours.
He invited the fairies, too, in order that they might be kind and good to the
child. There were thirteen of them in his kingdom, but as the King only
had twelve golden plates for them to eat from, one of the fairies had to be left
out. None of the guests was saddened by this as the thirteenth fairy was
known to be cruel and spiteful.
An amazing feast was held and when it came to an end, each of
the fairies presented the child with a magic gift. One fairy gave her
virtue, another beauty, a third riches and so on -- with everything in the world
that anyone could wish for.
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