Page 132 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

morning dew bathing the lilies and roses.
Cheri, who was always more impatient to see
her than either of the others, hurried back as
soon as the chase was over. He was on foot; his
bow hung negligently by his side; he had some
arrows in his hand; his long hair confined by a
riband. In this guise he had a martial air, which
was infinitely charming. As soon as the

Princess saw him she turned into a dark walk,
that he might not observe the traces of grief
upon her face, which a lover would be sure to
detect. The Prince joined her. He scarcely
looked at her before he knew she was in some
trouble. He was greatly distressed at it. He
begged, he implored her to tell him what was

the matter. She obstinately refused to do so. At
last, he turned the point of one of the arrows
to his heart, saying, "You do not love me,
Belle-Etoile, and I have nothing to do but to
die."
The manner in which he spoke alarmed her so
desperately, that she could no longer refuse to
tell him her secret; but she revealed it only on
condition that he would not again risk his life

by endeavouring to satisfy her desires. He
promised all she exacted of him, and betrayed
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