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She commanded a valet to raise the box and place it upon one of the mules which had brought her jewelry. "I confide this box to Gourmandinet, in order that he may take it to my father," she said. "Go, boy, and return in a month for another." She placed in his hand at the same time a purse full of gold. Gourmandinet mounted the mule in perfect silence and set off in full gallop.
"Oh! the beautiful lilacs!" exclaimed Blondine; "how fragrant how delicious! I must have a bouquet of those beautiful flowers for my good papa. Get down, Gourmandinet and bring me some of those superb branches." "I cannot leave my seat, princess, the ostriches might run away with you during my absence." "Do not fear," replied Blondine; "I could guide them myself to the palace."
I entreat you to correct this villainous fault which will make you despised by all the world." Gourmandinet kissed her hand and promised to reform. But, alas! he continued to steal cakes from the kitchen and bonbons from the store-room. Often, indeed, he was whipped for his disobedience and gluttony.
When, however, they were entirely out of sight of the palace, he changed his course and turned towards the grating which separated them from the enchanted ground. He was sad and silent. His crime weighed upon his heart and conscience. "What is the matter?" said Blondine, kindly. "You say nothing Are you ill, Gourmandinet?" "No, my princess, I am well." "But how pale you are!
"Gourmandinet, it depends entirely upon yourself whether you shall have a large trunk full of bonbons and delicious dainties or never again eat one during your life." "Never again eat one! Oh! madam, I should die of such punishment. Speak, madam, what must I do to escape this terrible fate?"
Tell me what distresses you, poor boy, and I promise to do all in my power to make you happy." Blondine's kind inquiries and attentions almost softened the hard heart of Gourmandinet, but the remembrance of the bonbons promised by the wicked queen, Fourbette, soon chased away his good resolutions. Before he had time to reply, the ostriches reached the grating of the Forest of Lilacs.
On seeing him so deadly pale and his eyes inflamed from the tears of awful remorse, she knew that Blondine had perished. "Is it done?" said she. Gourmandinet bowed his head. He had not the strength to speak. "Come," said she, "behold your reward!" She pointed to a large box full of delicious bonbons of every variety.
Gourmandinet hesitated and reflected a few moments longer and, alas! at last resolved to sacrifice his good little mistress to his gluttony.
At this moment Gourmandinet shuddered and was overwhelmed with remorse. He wished to repair his fault by calling Blondine but although she was only ten steps from him, although he saw her perfectly she could not hear his voice, and in a short time she was lost to view in the enchanted forest.
She found the branches of lilacs heavy to carry and thought it was time to return to the palace. She looked around and saw herself surrounded with lilacs. She called Gourmandinet but no one replied. "I have wandered further than I intended," said Blondine. "I will return at once, though I am very weary. Gourmandinet will hear me and will surely come to meet me."
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