"Then, madame," said Christian, "I looked up and I saw you, and I cried, 'A fig for the Princess Osra! For here is a lady more beautiful than all they tell of Princess Osra; I will throw myself at her feet and pray her in pity to help me.'" Still Osra hid her smile, and so busy was she with this task that she did not perceive that Christian also hid a smile; but she thought that he did not know her, whereas he had seen her several times, and had this day tracked her in the forest, knowing that she was accustomed to ride there. "But where," she asked, "would the lady who went with you get the dress you speak of?" "At my mother's cottage, madame, where my mother would wait on her." "And when could she be back at this spot?" "By five in the afternoon, madame. I would myself escort her." "And why, sir, should she rescue you from the straits into which your folly has led you?" "Alas, madame, for no reason, unless, by a divine miracle, she should prove as kind as she is beautiful." "You have a rash tongue, sir, in other matters than the making of wagers." And she looked at him. For she was very sorely tempted to do what he prayed of her; and she said: "Has the Princess Osra ever ridden through your village?" "Never, madame." "But some there may know her face, and then they will think nothing of mine." "It is unlikely that any one there should have seen even a picture of her, for they are quiet folk and do not go abroad." "Besides, in a peasant's dress--" began Osra meditatively. But she stopped, blushing and laughing. And Christian caught her hand and kissed it, crying: "For heaven's sake, come, madame!" He was so earnest, and his earnestness so became his bronzed face and bright eyes, that Osra could not deny him, but she swore him to secrecy, and agreed to ride with him, blaming herself all the while very greatly, and blaming yet more that Fate which would not allow her to be quit of the troublesome race of men even in the recesses of the forest of Zenda. Turning their horses, therefore, towards the frontier, they set them at a smart canter, for there was little time to lose if they were to come to the feast by one o'clock; and shortly before noon, having struck a bye-path through the trees, they came on a small cottage that stood apart and by itself; and a hill rose from it. "On the other side of the hill lies the village, madame," said Christian, jumping from his horse. "And this is my cottage. Hallo, there, mother!" An old woman came out, neatly and cleanly clad. Christian ran up to her, spoke to her briefly, and brought her to Osra. The worthy dame, bewildered by the appearance and stately air of the Princess, did nothing but curtsey and murmur incoherent thanks, but Osra, now caught by the excitement of the enterprise, clapped her hands, crying: "Quick, quick, or we shall be too late!"