"Well, sister, I will tell you. After admiration follows love, which in this case would indeed be serious. The folly of a mountain girl falling in love with a noble, and he a prince at that, should be apparent even to you, Oxie," Mitla answered, a little severely. "Why folly, sister, if her love should be returned?" asked the infatuated maiden. This was too much for Mitla's philosophic mentality, and she concluded that a further discussion of the subject would only tend to strengthen the impressions made upon Oxie's inexperienced mind by the person of the young prince. She answered evasively: "I only know, sister, from what I have heard, and think I would prefer to say no more about it. See!" she suddenly exclaimed, "yonder comes father. Let us run to meet him," and away they sped to meet the hunter, whose appearance was hailed by Mitla as being very opportune. "You are early at home to-day, father," she said, when they came up to him. "Has anything happened to you?" "Yes and no, child. You double up your questions so, I scarcely know how to answer," said he, in reply. "I was a little anxious about the prince, and returned earlier on that account. He's all right, eh?" "He seems to be, father. We would not know that he is in the house, from any noise he makes," answered Mitla. "Where is your game, father?" inquired Oxie, noticing that he brought none with him. "You never before came home with an empty hand." "No, child; not if I were hunting." "Have you not been hunting, father," she pursued. "No, Oxie. Other business has claimed my attention to-day." "I can guess where you have been, father," said Mitla, eager to give expression to a suddenly conceived thought. "I wouldn't wonder, child, if you should," he replied, apparently indifferent as to whether she could or not. "You have been to see the hermit. Am I not correct?" "Yes, Mit, you are correct. I went to have a talk with Ix about the prince." "I know now what you meant yesterday, when you declared you would save the prince, while he was still under the chia stalks," added Mitla. "It was thoughtful in you to see in the hermitage a refuge for him," she continued, her voice expressing approval, which was also reflected on her animated countenance. "Will the hermit approve of it?" "Yes, child, but I'd rather not discuss the matter farther now. I'll tell you all about it another time," urged the father, kindly. They were drawing near to the house, to enter which they were obliged to pass the little window of the prince's apartment, at which he was seated, looking out. The hunter and Mitla greeted him with a friendly smile of recognition as they passed. Oxie, who had fallen behind for a moment, to pluck a few flowers which she arranged into a neat little bouquet, on coming to the window, blushingly handed them to him. He looked pleased, and acknowledged the gift by saying: "You are very good to remember me in this manner. Your kindness, Oxie, will not soon be forgotten."