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In short, Blondine thought herself the most beautiful person she had ever seen. Trembling, almost frightened, she dressed herself hastily and ran to seek Bonne-Biche whom she found in the apartment where she had first seen her. "Bonne-Biche, Bonne-Biche!" she exclaimed, "I entreat you to explain to me the change which I see and feel in myself.
Bonne-Biche had made Blondine promise solemnly never to leave the enclosure of the park and never to enter the forest. Many times Blondine had asked Bonne-Biche the reason of this prohibition. Sighing profoundly, she had replied: "Ah, Blondine! do not seek to penetrate the forest. It is a fatal spot. May you never enter there."
She did not remember that the Parrot could have no possible motive for risking its life to render her a service. Blondine believed it though, implicitly, because of the flattery which the Parrot had lavished upon her. She did not even recall with gratitude the sweet and happy existence which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon had secured to her.
She resolved to follow implicitly the counsels of the Parrot. During the course of the day she said to Bonne-Biche: "Why, madam, do I not see among your flowers the most lovely and charming of all flowers the fragrant Rose?" Bonne-Biche was greatly agitated and said in a trembling voice: "Blondine! Blondine! do not ask for this most perfidious flower, which pierces all who touch it!
Brambles and stones almost filled up the path, the sweet songs of the birds were no longer heard and the flowers had entirely disappeared. Blondine felt oppressed by an inexplicable restlessness. The Parrot pressed her eagerly to advance. "Quick, quick, Blondine! time flies! If Bonne-Biche perceives your absence you will never again see your father."
Poor Blondine wept bitterly. "Alas!" said she, "why is my dear father alone? Where is the queen? Where is Brunette?" "The queen," said Bonne-Biche, "showed so little grief at your death, my princess, that your father's heart was filled with hatred and suspicion towards her and he sent her back to the king Turbulent, her father, who confined her in a tower, where she soon died of rage and anger.
"With whom have you been talking, Blondine?" looking suspiciously towards the open window. "With no one, madam," said the princess. "I am certain I heard voices in conversation." "I must have been speaking to myself." Bonne-Biche made no reply. She was very sad and tears fell from her eyes. Blondine was also engaged in thought.
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.
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.
"Oh, madam!" said Blondine, throwing herself at her feet, "I have been assured that you could give me news of my dear, kind friends, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon.
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