None suspected it less than Prince Henry
himself. He was happy and content that this fete had succeeded so
well--that this bright autumn day had come opportunely to his aid.
The sun penetrated to his heart and made it warm and joyous. He had
just made a little tour through the forest with some of his
cavaliers, and had returned to the tent on the bank of the lake,
where he had last seen the princess amid a bevy of nymphs, but she
was no longer there, and none of the ladies knew where she had gone.
"She has retired to her hut," said the prince to himself, as he
turned smilingly toward the thick woods. "The only thing is to
discover her hut; without doubt she is there and expects me to seek
her. Now, then, may fortune assist me to discover my beloved. I must
find her if only to prove to her that my love can overcome all
difficulties and penetrate every mystery. There are twenty-four
huts--I know their situation. I will visit each, and it will be
strange indeed if I cannot discover my beautiful Wilhelmina."
He advanced with hasty steps in the direction of the huts. By a
singular coincidence they were all vacant, the ivy wreath was
displayed on none, and the prince could enter and convince himself
that no one was within.
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