The little creature looked up and into her face , and nodded her head as the maid of honour unfastened the latch , but bounded away into the woods , and was lost to sight in a moment . Meanwhile , the prince and Becasigue were wandering through the wood , till at last the prince grew so tired , that he lay down under a tree , and told Becasigue that he had better go in search of food , and of some place where they could sleep . Becasigue had not gone very far , when a turn of the path brought him face to face with the old woman who was feeding her doves before her cottage . ` Could you give me some milk and fruit ? ' asked he . ' I am very hungry myself , and , besides , I have left a friend behind me who is still weak from illness . ' ` Certainly I can , ' answered the old woman . ` But come and sit down in my kitchen while I catch the goat and milk it . ' Becasigue was glad enough to do as he was bid , and in a few minutes the old woman returned with a basket brimming over with oranges and grapes . ` If your friend has been ill he should not pass the night in the forest , ' said she . ' I have room in my hut -- tiny enough , it is true ; but better than nothing , and to that you are both heartily welcome . ' Becasigue thanked her warmly , and as by this time it was almost sunset , he set out to fetch the prince . It was while he was absent that Eglantine and the white doe entered the hut , and having , of course , no idea that in the very next room was the man whose childish impatience had been the cause of all their troubles . In spite of his fatigue , the prince slept badly , and directly it was light he rose , and bidding Becasigue remain where he was , as he wished to be alone , he strolled out into the forest . He walked on slowly , just as his fancy led him , till , suddenly , he came to a wide open space , and in the middle was the white doe quietly eating her breakfast . She bounded off at the sight of a man , but not before the prince , who had fastened on his bow without thinking , had let fly several arrows , which the fairy Tulip took care should do her no harm . But , quickly as she ran , she soon felt her strength failing her , for fifteen years of life in a tower had not taught her how to exercise her limbs . Luckily , the prince was too weak to follow her far , and a turn of a path brought her close to the hut , where Eglantine was awaiting her . Panting for breath , she entered their room , and flung herself down on the floor . When it was dark again , and she was once more the princess Desiree , she told Eglantine what had befallen her . '
I feared the Fairy of the Fountain , and the cruel beasts , ' said she ; ` but somehow I never thought XXXXX the dangers that I ran from men .
If as into of than that through to while without