"Take care, take care! There is a wild beast in the grotto. I heard it cry."
She looked round and started when she saw me. The surprise, visible on her face, seemed to melt into recognition.
"It is kind of you to warn me," she responded with a frank smile, "but I am not in danger. There is no wild animal inside."
Her low sweet voice was quite in keeping with her beauty. Every note rung clear and melodious as a bell.
"But the awful cry?" I rejoined with a puzzled air.
"Was that of a particular pet of mine," she answered laughingly.
"Pardon me," said I smiling for company, "I am a stranger here, as you can see, and did not know any better."
"You are one of the travellers from another world, are you not?"
"Ah! you have heard of our arrival."
"Oh yes! An event so important was not kept from me. I saw you sitting beside my father on the day of the Flower, and I knew you again. I am afraid our country will seem very odd to you. Have you enjoyed your stay?"