Page 62 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

Belle-Etoile and Cheri felt an extraordinary
delight at what the syren had just told them.
They were convinced it was intended for
them, and, exchanging signs of intelligence,
their hearts conversed in silence, without
Petit-Soleil and Heureux perceiving it. The
vessel sailed at the pleasure of the wind and
the tide; nothing very extraordinary occurred

in their navigation, save that the weather was
always beautiful, and the sea always calm. They
were three whole months on their voyage,
during which time the enamoured Prince
Cheri and the Princess often conversed
together. "What flattering hopes I feel," said
he, one day, "charming Etoile! I am not your

brother; this heart, which knows your power,
and will never acknowledge another, is not
born for crimes; and it would be one to love
you as I do, if you were my sister, but the
charitable syren, who came to counsel us,
confirmed me in my opinion upon that
subject." "Ah, brother!" replied she, "do not
rely on indications which are still too obscure
for our comprehension. What would be our

fate if we irritated the gods by encouraging
feelings which were displeasing to them? The
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