But Horpyna, approaching the princess, soon discovered that it was not death, but a deep faint, and putting Bogun outside the door, began to assist her. The princess opened her eyes after a time.
"My dear, there is nothing the matter with you," said the enchantress. "You were frightened at him, I see, and darkness settled on you; but the darkness will pass and health will come. You are like a nut, my girl; you have long to live in the world and enjoy happiness."
"Who are you?" asked the princess, with a weak voice.
"I? Your servant, for he so ordered it."
"Where am I?"
"In the Devil's Glen. A pure wilderness here; you will see no one but him."
"Do you live here?"
"My farm is here. I am Dontsovna. My brother is a colonel under Bogun; he leads young heroes, and I stay here, and will care for you in this golden chamber. From a cottage it has become a bower, so that light gleams from it. He has brought all this for you."
Helena looked at the lively face of the young woman, and it seemed to her full of sincerity.
"But will you be good to me?"