form, she spoke to Sunev.

[Pg 113]

[Pg 113]

“What is your name, beautiful creature, and why are you in this form?” she asked.

It was the first time any one but the birds and animals had spoken to her since Witch Zitna had changed her, and poor little Sunev began to cry for joy.

Venus soothed her and soon Sunev told her all she knew of her sad plight. But when she told the goddess her name a flash of anger came to the eyes of Venus.

“Old Witch Zitna has done this,” said the goddess. “She shall pay for it, for, my dear, your name is mine spelled backward and you are my godchild. Zitna knew she had much to fear in the beauty you possess. Come with me!”

It did not take long to reach the cave of Zitna, for Venus had the power of witches and fairies when she wished to use it.

“Come forth!” called Venus, when they reached the cave of Zitna. “Undo your cruel work,” she commanded, when the trembling witch appeared in the doorway of her cave.

In another minute Sunev stood in her own lovely shape before Venus, who, instead of being jealous of the wonderful beauty she[Pg 114] beheld, drew Sunev to her and kissed her on her brow.

[Pg 114]

“You will always be the most beautiful woman in the land,” she said. “Be you old or young, none shall compare with you.

“As for your daughter, Witch Zitna, you will never see her again, for a mother who would treat the daughter of another as you have done this beautiful girl is not the sort to have a daughter. I will claim your daughter as well as Sunev for my godchild.”

Sunev did not know how they reached the door of her parents’ home, but she stood there a short time after, and with trembling hands opened the door.

Oh, how happy her father and mother were to have her again! The joy of seeing her safe made them forget the time, and it was the trumpeting of the Prince of Esor’s messengers that told them the day was far gone.

The messengers 

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