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The tablets were so brilliantly ornamented with gold and jewels that they caught her attention instantly; she opened them, and read with the greatest astonishment what the Prince had written on them. "This invisible being must be a monster," she exclaimed, "since he dares not show himself; but if it were true that he had some affection for me, the presenting me with so touching a portrait shows he cannot have much delicacy. He must either not love me, to subject my heart to so painful a trial, or he has too good an opinion of himself, and believes that he is far more fascinating." "I have heard say, Madam," replied Abricotine, "that sprites are composed of air and fire—that they have no corporeal substance, and that it is only by their intelligence and their desires that their existence is manifested." "I am right glad to hear it," rejoined the Princess; "such a lover cannot greatly disturb my tranquillity."

Leander was delighted to hear her, and see her so occupied with his portrait. He remembered, that in a grotto to which she frequently repaired, there was a pedestal intended to support a statue of Diana, which was still in the hands of the sculptor. He placed himself on it in an extraordinary habit, crowned with laurels, and holding a lyre in his hand, on which he could play better than Apollo. He waited impatiently for the coming of his Princess, according to her daily custom. It was the spot to which she retired to meditate upon her unknown adorer. Abricotine's account of him, joined to the pleasure which the contemplation of his portrait had occasioned her, combined to rob her heart of rest. She found a charm in solitude, and her joyous disposition had undergone such a change that her nymphs could scarcely recognise their mistress.

As she entered the grotto she made signs to her attendants not to follow her. Her nymphs dispersed themselves in the various avenues. The Princess threw herself on a bank of turf. She sighed and shed a few tears. She even uttered some words, but in so low a tone that Leander could not catch them. He had worn his little red hat, in order that