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Be firm! After breakfast, in some way get away from Beau-Minon and enter the forest. I will expect you there." Blondine promised, and closed the window, fearing that Bonne-Biche would surprise her. After breakfast, according to her usual custom, she entered the garden. Beau-Minon followed her in spite of some rude rebuffs which he received with plaintive mews.
At last she arose and looked about her, hoping to find some shelter where she might take refuge. Ruin only stared her in the face! "Well," said she, "let the wild beasts tear me to pieces, let me die of hunger and thirst, if I can expiate my sins here upon the tomb of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon!"
She continued however to force her way bravely through the thickets and after three hours of most painful walking she came before the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. Horror seized upon her, when in place of the superb building she saw only an appalling ruin in place of the magnificent trees and rare flowers which surrounded it, only briers and thorns, nettles and thistles, could be seen.
They will be enchanted to find a way of restoring me to my father. Come with me, beautiful Parrot and I will present you to Bonne-Biche. Come, I entreat you." "Ah! Blondine," said the sharp voice of the Parrot, "it is you, Princess, who do not know Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. They detest me because I have sometimes succeeded in rescuing their victims from them.
Between Beau-Minon and Bonne-Biche a plate was placed for Blondine. Her chair was of carved ivory covered with crimson velvet attached with nails of diamonds.
You will never see your father again, Blondine, you will never leave this forest, unless you yourself shall break the charm which holds you here." "What charm?" said Blondine. "I know of no charm and what interest have Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in keeping me a prisoner?" "Is it not to their interest to enliven their solitude, Blondine? There is a talisman which can procure your release.
In about an hour Blondine perceived an elegant castle. Beau-Minon led her to the gilded grating. However, Blondine did not know how to enter. There was no bell and the gate was closed. Beau-Minon had disappeared and Blondine was once more alone.
At the end of that time she found herself on an arid plain which it required six weeks to cross. Then Blondine perceived a castle which reminded her of that of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. They were a full month passing through the avenue to this castle. Blondine burned with impatience. Would she indeed learn the fate of her dear friends at the palace?
The cunning words of the Parrot made her look upon the kindness of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in a totally different light.
They waited, carved and even divined the wishes of Blondine, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. The dinner was exquisite the chicken was splendid, the game and fish most delicate, the pastry and bonbons superlative. Blondine was hungry so she ate of all and found all excellent. After dinner, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon conducted the princess into the garden.
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