Page:Fairytales00auln.djvu/652

590 render you this good service! What! have you not wit enough? Come, come, my sister," continued he, "and do not distress yourself about it!"

Belle-Etoile followed him, as much distressed by the manner in which he had received her confidence, as by the impossibility there appeared of her possessing the singing apple. Supper was served; they all four sat down to table: she could not eat. Cheri,—the amiable Cheri,—who had no thought but for her, helped her to the nicest morsels, and pressed her to taste them. Her heart was full—tears came to her eyes—she left the table, weeping. Belle-Etoile weeping! Ye gods, what unhappiness for Cheri! He asked what was the matter with her? Petit-Soleil told him in a jeering manner, which was very offensive to his sister; she was so hurt, that she retired to her room, and would not speak to any one all the evening.

As soon as Petit-Soleil and Heureux were gone to bed, Cheri mounted his excellent horse, without saying a word to any one; he left only a letter for Belle-Etoile, with an order that it might be given to her when she awoke; and, dark as the night was, he rode at random, not in the least knowing where to find the singing apple.

As soon as the Princess arose, they delivered the letter to her—it is easy to imagine all the anxiety and tenderness she felt upon such an occasion. She ran into her brothers' chamber to read the letter to them; they shared her grief, for they were a very united family; and they immediately sent nearly all their people after him to induce him to return, without attempting the adventure which doubtless would be terrible.

In the meanwhile, the King did not forget the lovely children of the forest; his walk was always directed towards their abode, and when he passed by it and saw them, he reproached them for never going to the palace. They excused themselves, by saying, they had not completed their equipage; that their brother's absence prevented them, and assuring him that at his return they should profit by the permission he had given them, of paying their respects to him.

The Prince Cheri was too much urged by his passion not to make all possible speed; at break of day he perceived a handsome young man, who, reclining under some trees, was reading