Page:Mysterious cavern.pdf/8

 the room, and he immediately bade Alice approach, and take off her mask.

Alice took off her mask, and the King of Navarre was amazed. His astonishment and admiration were so evident, that Alice instantly perceived the impression she had made upon him; but this young person did not seem to be the least proud of her brilliant conquest, whilst the factious prince gave himself up to a sentiment so sudden and extreme, that, forgetting all the projects which had brought him to the fete, he only thought of seducing the beautiful and engaging Alice. With a smile he led her forth to dance. He expected that Alice would be very much confused; he therefore paid her the most flattering attentions, not only before the whole court, but likewise in the sight of all the citizens who were in the room.

But his hopes were baffled—Alice danced with a prince of the blood, with a king, without being the least disconcerted!—and she did not appear to be flattered by the praises which he bestowed on her beauty, and on the majestic and graceful air with which she danced.

He was as much delighted with the sense as with the beauty of Alice, and was persuaded that he should at last succeed, when a bustle in the room drew her attention. She appcared struck with astonishment, on perceiving two young noblemen by the side of the Regent, to whom that prince listened with the greatest attention. A deep blush overspread her face, her eyes fixed on the object of her attention, and so absorbed was she by her emotions, that she no longer attended to what the King of Navarre said to her, and answered only by monosyllables. Drawing from her bosom a case, she opened it, and looking at a miniature it contained, suddenly shut it, and spoke as if to herself