The Life of Maria Lewellin

Marie comes into the world by accident, and God grants her the ability to hear animals speak. Though she works hard and finds little joy in her life, she learns that the prince’s leopard is badly hurt—and that anyone who heals it may ask the prince for any wish. After becoming involved with the leopard, Marie ends up at the palace. The prince insists she asked to live there, but Marie says that is not what she meant. By then, he tells her, it is too late.