Page 105 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

the evening.
As soon as Petit-Soleil and Heureux were
gone to bed, Cheri mounted his excellent
horse, without saying a word to any one; he
left only a letter for Belle-Etoile, with an
order that it might be given to her when she
awoke; and, dark as the night was, he rode at
random, not in the least knowing where to

find the singing apple.
As soon as the Princess arose, they delivered
the letter to her—it is easy to imagine all the
anxiety and tenderness she felt upon such an
occasion. She ran into her brothers' chamber
to read the letter to them; they shared her
grief, for they were a very united family; and

they immediately sent nearly all their people
after him to induce him to return, without
attempting the adventure which doubtless
would be terrible.
In the meanwhile, the King did not forget the
lovely children of the forest; his walk was
always directed towards their abode, and
when he passed by it and saw them, he
reproached them for never going to the

palace. They excused themselves, by saying,
they had not completed their equipage; that
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