Was this Zora's return for her cousin's love? The princess would fain have expressed her grief and amazement.
"Pray don't try to talk, my bonny wee thing! It is not one of your gifts, at present. Your voice has ceased to be musical. I can sing now as well as you. Go to nibbling grass, deary, and a long life to you!"
Then the treacherous Zora turned on her heel, and left her poor cousin to her mute despair.
A search was made far and wide for the missing princess. Forests were hunted, rivers were dragged; but without avail. Deep gloom fell on the people, and the queen nearly died of sorrow. They all believed Hilda dead, all but Zora, who knew too well her cruel fate.
Then Zora was treated like the king's daughter. Wherever she went, there were ser-
