Page 141 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie
P. 141

elle-Etoile, inconsolable at finding
            not one of her brothers return, reproached
            herself for having so long delayed to follow

            them. Without further hesitation she gave
            orders to all her household to wait for six
            months, when, if neither her brothers nor
            herself had returned during that time, they
            were to go and acquaint the corsair and his
            wife of their death; she then dressed herself in
            male attire, believing she would be less
            exposed to danger in travelling thus disguised,
            than if she roamed the world as an adventurer

            of her own sex. Feintise saw her depart upon
            her beautiful horse; she was overjoyed, and
            ran to the palace, to delight the Queen-Mother
            _
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