wood-cutter, and depended on his daily labor for the support of himself
and mother, while the latter eked out their scanty means by spinning.
The son, although poor, was not without learning, for an old monk in a
neighboring convent had taught him to read and write, and had given him
instructions in arithmetic. Ranier was handsome, active and strong, and
very much attached to his mother, to whom he paid all the honor and
obedience due from a son to a parent.

One morning in spring, Ranier went to his work in the forest with his ax
on his shoulder, whistling one of the simple airs of the country as he
pursued his way. Striding along beneath the branches of the great oaks
and chestnuts, he began to reflect upon the hard fate which seemed to
doom him to toil and wretchedness, and, thus thinking, whistled no
longer. Presently he sat down upon a moss-covered rock, and laying his
ax by his side, let his thoughts shape themselves into words.

"This is a sad life of mine," said Ranier. "I might better it, perhaps,
were I to enlist in the army of the king, where I should at least have
food and clothing; but I cannot leave my mother, of whom I am the sole
stay and support. Must I always live thus,--a poor wood-chopper, earning
one day the bread I eat the next, and no more?"

Ranier suddenly felt that some one was near him, and, on looking up,
sprang to his feet and removed his cap. Before him stood a beautiful
lady, clad in a robe of green satin, with a mantle of crimson velvet on
her shoulders, and bearing in her hand a white wand.

"Ranier!" said the unknown, "I am the fairy, Rougevert. I know your
history, and have heard your complaint. What gift shall I bestow on
you?"