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The king seemed much agitated and was walking backwards and forwards. He appeared to be expecting some one. The queen, Fourbette, entered and related to him that notwithstanding the remonstrances of Gourmandinet, Blondine had herself seized the reins and guided the ostriches who becoming frightened dashed off in the direction of the Forest of Lilacs and overturned the carriage.
"Oh, papa!" she said to the king, "do not scold Brunette; she is so little! she does not know that she grieves me when she breaks my toys! It is only in play that she bites me, pulls my hair and pinches me." The good king embraced his little daughter, and was silent but he knew that Brunette was cruel and wicked; that Blondine was too gentle and good to accuse her.
Last night I went to sleep a child I awoke this morning, and found myself a young lady. Is this an illusion or have I indeed grown and developed thus during the night?" "Yes, my dear Blondine, you are fourteen years old to-day. But you have slept peacefully seven years. My son Beau-Minon and I wished to spare you the weariness of all early studies.
Never speak to me of the Rose, Blondine. You cannot know what fatal danger this flower contains for you!" The expression of Bonne-Biche was so stern and severe that Blondine dared not question her further. The day passed away sadly enough. Bonne-Biche was unhappy and Beau-Minon very sad. Early in the morning, Blondine ran to her window and the Parrot entered the moment she opened it.
"Courage, courage, Blondine! redeem your fault by your repentance and do not allow yourself to be utterly cast down by grief." The poor princess arose and left the scene of desolation. She followed a little path, where the large trees seemed to have rooted out the brambles and the earth was covered with moss.
Bonne-Biche is good; she injures no one and only hates the wicked." "Blondine, listen! If you do not promise to conceal my visit from Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon, I will fly away at once and never return." "Since you wish it so much, beautiful Parrot, I will promise silence. Let us chat a little. It is a long time since I have had an opportunity to converse. You seem to me gay and witty.
It is a simple Rose, which, gathered by yourself, will deliver you from your exile and restore you to the arms of your fond father." "But there is not a single Rose in the garden. How then can I gather one?" "I will explain this to you another day, Blondine. Now I can tell you no more, as I hear Bonne-Biche coming.
As she uttered these words, she heard a soft voice saying: "True repentance can atone for the worst of crimes." She raised her head and saw only an immense black Crow flying above her. "Alas! alas!" said Blondine, "my repentance however true, however bitter it may be, can never give me back the lives of my dear Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon!"
The garden in which Blondine drove in her little carriage, drawn by ostriches and guided by her little coachman, Gourmandinet, was separated by a grating from an immense and magnificent forest, called the Forest of Lilacs because during the whole year these lilacs were always covered with superb flowers. No one, however, entered these woods.
"My dear friend, my subjects wish me to marry again but my heart is so sad because of the death of my cherished queen Doucette that I cannot undertake the task of seeking another wife. Go, then, my good Leger and find me a princess who will make my sweet Blondine happy. Go; I ask for nothing more.
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