of that generous stranger to whom I owe my life! yes, 'tis he, I cannot be mistaken. There are his features, his form, his hair, his carriage!" "Thou feignest astonishment," said the Princess, smiling; "but it was placed here by thyself." "By me, Madam!" replied Abricotine. "I swear to you I never saw this picture before in my life. Am I capable of concealing anything from you which it would interest you to be acquainted with? And by what miracle could it come into my possession? I have not the least knowledge of painting—no man has ever entered this island, and yet here are your united portraits." "I tremble with fear," said the Princess; "some demon must have brought this painting hither!" "Madam," said Abricotine, "may it not have been Love? If you think I am right, I will venture to give you a little advice. Let us burn the picture immediately." "It would be such a pity," said the Princess sighing; "methinks my cabinet could not be better adorned than by this painting." She looked at Abricotine as she uttered these words; but the girl continued to insist they ought to burn an article that could only have been brought there by magic. "And these words," said the Princess, "'Her image is more perfect in my heart,' must we burn them also?" "We ought to spare nothing," replied Abricotine, "not even your own likeness." And so saying, she ran off to fetch a light. The Princess turned away to a window, unable to gaze any longer on a portrait which produced such an impression on her heart; and Leander, who did not choose his picture should be burnt, took this opportunity of removing it unobserved by the Princess. He had scarcely quitted the room with it, when she turned to take another look at the charming form which had so fascinated her. What was her surprise at its disappearance! She hunted all round the room for it. Abricotine returned, and was asked if she had removed it. She assured her she had not, and this last adventure completely terrified them.
As soon as Leander had hidden the portrait he returned to the cabinet. It was exceeding pleasure to him so frequently to hear and see his lovely princess. He dined every day at her table with the blue cat, who was certainly not the gainer by it; there was, however, much still wanting to Leander's happiness, as he dared neither speak in his own voice, nor make himself visible. It is rarely that we love those we have never seen.
