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Article MADELAINE. ← Page 4 of 12 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Madelaine.
for some time , she tried to retrace her steps , but found it impossible to discover the path by Avhich she had come . Although the sun had uot yet set , the forest seemed full of mysterious shadows . The birds had ceased to sing , the cockchafers had begun to fly , and the screech of the night-OAvl resounded amidst the trees . Of all times , tAA'ilight most recalls om SOITOAVS and
our sufferings to the mind . Wholly incapable of further exertion , and utterly discouraged , the poor child threw herself weeping upon the turf . She had untied the black ribbon of her straw bonnet , and the breeze played in her long hair , rendered yet more golden by the last rays of daylight . She had lain there but a few momentsin the very depths of
, despair , when she perceived a horse standing but a feAV paces from her , whose hoof had fallen noiselessly upon the sAvard . On his back was a young man , who Avas looking at her with the surprised air of one little accustomed to such meetings , at such a place or hour . She started to her feet , and , reassured by his beneA'olent smile , said—¦
" Sir , God has sent you to help me . If you are of this land , you will hear that I am a foreigner . I have wandered for tAvo hours in this forest ; perhaps you could direct me in the right way ?" " Surely , " replied a A'oice as gentle as her own , " but you must first tell me your destination . "
" Valtravers , Sir . " "What , to the chateau ?" " Yes , to the chateau . " " No one is better able to assist you than myself ; for I am now on my way there ; and Avith your permission we will go together . "
Without waiting for a reply he sprang from his horse . "This belongs to you , does it not ? " he asked , pointing to the bundle upon the grass . " It is the whole of my fortune , " she replied , Avith a sad smile . The young man picked it up , fastened it firmly to the saddle , and offering his arm to the girl , set off towards the chateau , followed by his gentle , well-trained horse , who cropped the leaves within his reach .
" Then , really , when I came up you Avere lost , not knowing where to go ? I am most happy that chance directed me to you , or you might have had to pass the night upon the grass . " She related the manner in which Pierrat had behaved . " He is a young rascal , and deserves to lose his ears . And you are going to the chateau ? I presume you know the Chevalier , or some other member ofthe family ? "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Madelaine.
for some time , she tried to retrace her steps , but found it impossible to discover the path by Avhich she had come . Although the sun had uot yet set , the forest seemed full of mysterious shadows . The birds had ceased to sing , the cockchafers had begun to fly , and the screech of the night-OAvl resounded amidst the trees . Of all times , tAA'ilight most recalls om SOITOAVS and
our sufferings to the mind . Wholly incapable of further exertion , and utterly discouraged , the poor child threw herself weeping upon the turf . She had untied the black ribbon of her straw bonnet , and the breeze played in her long hair , rendered yet more golden by the last rays of daylight . She had lain there but a few momentsin the very depths of
, despair , when she perceived a horse standing but a feAV paces from her , whose hoof had fallen noiselessly upon the sAvard . On his back was a young man , who Avas looking at her with the surprised air of one little accustomed to such meetings , at such a place or hour . She started to her feet , and , reassured by his beneA'olent smile , said—¦
" Sir , God has sent you to help me . If you are of this land , you will hear that I am a foreigner . I have wandered for tAvo hours in this forest ; perhaps you could direct me in the right way ?" " Surely , " replied a A'oice as gentle as her own , " but you must first tell me your destination . "
" Valtravers , Sir . " "What , to the chateau ?" " Yes , to the chateau . " " No one is better able to assist you than myself ; for I am now on my way there ; and Avith your permission we will go together . "
Without waiting for a reply he sprang from his horse . "This belongs to you , does it not ? " he asked , pointing to the bundle upon the grass . " It is the whole of my fortune , " she replied , Avith a sad smile . The young man picked it up , fastened it firmly to the saddle , and offering his arm to the girl , set off towards the chateau , followed by his gentle , well-trained horse , who cropped the leaves within his reach .
" Then , really , when I came up you Avere lost , not knowing where to go ? I am most happy that chance directed me to you , or you might have had to pass the night upon the grass . " She related the manner in which Pierrat had behaved . " He is a young rascal , and deserves to lose his ears . And you are going to the chateau ? I presume you know the Chevalier , or some other member ofthe family ? "