tood near her. The pretty hind saw Blondine, arose,
and approached her.

"You are most welcome, Blondine," said she. "My son Beau-Minon and I
have expected you for a long time."

At these words, Blondine was much frightened.

"Take courage, princess; you are with friends. I know the king your
father and I love him and I love you also."

"Oh, madam," said Blondine, "if you know the king my father, I pray you
to take me to him. My absence must make him very wretched."

"My dear Blondine," said the hind, whose name was Bonne-Biche, sighing,
"it is not in my power to conduct you to your father. You are in the
hands of the magician of the Forest of Lilacs. I myself am subject to
his power which is superior to mine but I can send soft dreams to your
father, which will reassure him as to your fate and let him know that
you are safe with me."

"Oh, madam!" said Blondine, in an agony of grief, "shall I never again
see my father whom I love so tenderly? My poor father!"

"Dear Blondine, do not distress yourself as to the future. Wisdom and
prudence are always recompensed. You will see your father again but not
now. In the meantime be good and docile. Beau-Minon and I will do all in
our power to make you happy."

Blondine sighed heavily and shed a few tears. She then reflected that to
manifest such grief was a poor recompense for all the goodness of
Bonne-Biche. She resolved, therefore, to control herself and to be
cheerful.

Bonne-Biche took her to see the apartment they had prepared for her. The
bedroom was hung with rose-colored silk embroidered with gold. The
furniture was covered with white velvet worked with silks of the most
brilliant hues. Every species of animal, bird and butterfly were
represented in rare embroidery.

Adjoining Blondine's chamber was a small study. It was hung with
sky-blue damask, embroidered with fine pearls. The furniture was covered
with silver moire, adorned with nails of turquoise. Two magnificent
portraits, representing a young and superbly handsome woman and a
strikingly attractive young man, hung on the walls. Their costumes
indicated that they were of royal race.

"Whose portraits are these, madam?" said Blondine to Bonne-Biche.

"I am forbidden to answer that question, dear Blondine. You will know
later;--but this is the hour for dinner. Come, Blondine, I am sure you
are hungry."

Blondine was in fact almost dying of hunger. She followed Bonne-Biche
and they entered the dining