Page 136 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

distress was renewed—night and day she
never ceased lamenting; she accused herself of
her brothers' misfortunes; and Prince
Heureux, having no less pity for her than
anxiety about his brothers, resolved in his turn
to go and seek them. He acquainted Belle-
Etoile with his intention; at first she opposed
it, but he told her it was but just that he

should encounter any peril in trying to find
those he so dearly loved,—thereupon he
departed, having taken the most affectionate
farewell of the Princess; she remained alone, a
prey to the deepest sorrow.
When Feintise was aware that the third prince
was gone, she was exceedingly delighted; she

told the Queen-Mother of it, and promised
her, more confidently than ever, that she
would destroy the whole of this unfortunate
family! Heureux shared the same fate as Cheri
and Petit-Soleil,—he found the rock, he saw
the bird, he fell like a statue into the hall,
where he recognised the princes he was
seeking without being able to speak to them;
they were all arranged in crystal niches; they

never slept, they never ate, but remained in a
miserable state of enchantment, for they were
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