पृष्ठ 108 / 134

They had settled in distant lands, near a little country village

that lay just at the foot of the mountains. It was made up of the

simple peasantry, where life was free from cant, suspicions,

criticism and morbid curiosity. Here they could live and follow

the bent of their minds, undisturbed and unobserved if they so

wished. They kept their identity unknown yet the villagers knew

from the Princess' delicate beauty of form and features she

belonged to some noble family and station in life, but her kind,

thoughtful bearing towards them won their love and esteem at

once, and equally did they esteem the Prince for he was ever

lavish with his money and attention to those who appealed to him

for assistance. The mountains soon became their favorite resort.

Long walks were taken daily, and rests made in the quiet nooks on

the mountain side. One place particularly, became a very dear

retreat to them, for never did they stop there but that some

inspirations were born.