is house again, that she might enjoy his instructive
conversation concerning his wonderful curiosities. She then rode back
without having divulged her rank, as she noticed that neither the
father nor the son knew her. Although the capital was situated thus
near, they were both so buried in their studies, that they strove to
shun the busy world; and the young man had never been seized with the
desire of being present at the festivities of the court. He had never
been accustomed to leave his father alone for more than an hour at the
utmost, while roaming through the woods searching for insects and
plants, and sharing the inspiration of the mute spirit of nature
through the influence of its various outward charms. The simple
occurrences of this day were equally important to the old man, the
princess, and the youth. The first easily perceived the novel and deep
impression, which the unknown lady had made upon his son. He knew his
character perfectly, and was fully aware that such a deep impression
would last as long as his life. His youth, and the nature of his heart,
would of necessity render the first feeling of this nature an
unconquerable passion. The old man had for a long time looked forward
to such an occurrence. The exceeding loveliness of the stranger excited
an involuntary sympathy in the soul of his son, and his unsuspicious
mind harbored no troublesome anxiety about the issue of this singular
adventure. The princess had never been conscious of experiencing such
emotions as arose in her mind, while riding slowly homeward. She could
form no exact idea of the curiously mixed, wondrously stirring feelings
of a new existence. A magical veil was spread in wide folds over her
clear consciousness. It seemed to her that, when it should be
withdrawn, she would find herself in a more spiritual world than this.
The recollection of the art of poetry, which hitherto had occupied her
whole soul, seemed now like a far distant song, connecting her
peculiarly delightful dream with the past. When she reached the palace,
she was almost frightened at its varied splendor, and yet more at the
welcome of her father, for whom for the first time in her life she
experienced a distant respect. She thought it impossible for her to
mention her adventure to him. Her other companions were too much
accustomed to her reveries, and her deep abstractions of thought and
fancy, to notice anything extraordinary in her conduct. She seemed now
to lose s