n hour's walk. Bonne-Biche has been careful to separate
you as far as possible from the Rose in order that you might not find
the means to escape from her power."

"But why does she wish to hold me captive? She is all-powerful and could
surely find pleasures more acceptable than educating an ignorant child."

"All this will be explained to you in the future, Blondine, when you
will be in the arms of your father. 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. Arrived at the alley which led out of the park,
Blondine resolved to get rid of Beau-Minon.

"I wish to be alone," said she, sternly; "begone, Beau-Minon!"

Beau-Minon pretended not to understand. Blondine was impatient and
enraged. She forgot herself so far as to strike Beau-Minon with her
foot. When poor Beau-Minon received this humiliating blow, he uttered a
cry of anguish and fled towards the palace. Blondine trembled and was on
the point of recalling him, when a false shame arrested her. She walked
on rapidly to the gate, opened it not without trembling and entered the
forest. The Parrot joined her without delay.

"Courage, Blondine! in one hour you will have the Rose and will see your
father, who weeps for you."

At these words, Blondine recovered her resolution which had begun to
falter. She walked on in the path indicated by the Parrot, who flew
before her from branch to branch. The forest, which had seemed so
beautiful and attractive near the park of Bonne-Biche, became wilder and
more entangled. 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."

Blondine, fatigued, almost breathless, with her arms torn by the briers
and her shoes in shreds, now declared that she would go no further when
the Parrot exclaimed:--

"We have arrived, Blondine. Look! that is the enclosure which separates
us from the Rose."

Blondine saw at a turn in the