thereupon she thrust a little book into his hand, which was cut out of a single emerald. "take great care of it," said she, "it will bring thee good fortune." the count sprang up, and as he felt that he was quite fresh, and had recovered his vigor, he thanked the old woman for her present, and set off without even once looking back at the beautiful daughter. when he was already some way off, he still heard in the distance the noisy cry of the geese.