suaded she did not understand him. Notwithstanding the pleasure she felt in looking at him, she became very uneasy as night was approaching. "What will be the consequence," said she to herself, "should he see me suddenly change my form? he will be alarmed and fly from me; or if he do not fly from me, what have I not to fear then alone in this forest?" She could think of nothing but how to escape, when he furnished her with the means himself; for fearing she might want to drink, he went to find some streamlet that he could lead her to. While he was seeking it, she quickly stole away, and safely reached the cottage where Giroflée was waiting for her. She again threw herself upon her bed, night came, her transformation ended, and she appeared in her own form. "Wouldst thou believe it, my dear Giroflée," said she, "my Prince Guerrier is in this forest; it is he who has been hunting me for the last two days, and who, having caught me, caressed me a thousand times. Ah, how untruthful is the portrait they have brought me of him! he is a hundred times handsomer. All the disorder of an eager huntsman's dress, far from detracting from his appearance, gives a charm to it which I cannot explain. Is it not most unfortunate, that I am compelled to fly from this Prince,—he whom my parents have chosen for me,—he who loves me, and whom I love? A wicked fairy must needs take a dislike to me, from the day I was born, and afflict me for the rest of my life." She began to weep; Giroflée tried to console her, and encourage a hope that her sorrow would soon be changed to happiness.
The Prince returned to his dear Hind, as soon as he had found a spring, but she was no longer where he had left her. He sought for her everywhere, but in vain; he felt as much vexed with her as though she possessed reason. "What," exclaimed he, "shall I always have cause to complain of this deceitful and unfaithful sex?" He returned to the good woman's cottage very melancholy; he related to his friend the adventure with the Hind, and accused her of ingratitude. Becafigue could not help laughing at the Prince's rage; he advised him to punish the Hind when he met with her again. "I shall only remain here for that purpose," replied the Prince; "we will afterwards continue our journey."
