Page:A Few Hours in a Far Off Age.djvu/80

Rh describe it as hills, near and far, bewilderingly shaded. The numerous tints, some quite new to my eyes caused by the bright flowers here and there abounding. Afar is a cascade, the shining water from which is to be traced at various angles among the valleys until it terminates in a lake to the right, bordered by magnificent trees. Near that are dwellings, pleasant pictures in themselves. Everywhere the freshness and the hope of spring!

But these poor words can give only a very imperfect idea of the splendors, and the grandeur of the scene on which I gaze.

With feelings of deepest reverence I wonder—and for the thousandth time, at least, sigh for a life of such beauty and purity!

A concerted laugh arouses me. On turning I find Leo staring apparently into my face and muttering.

"What does he see?" says Frederick. Then his sister tells him of his conduct in her room, which is generally considered as something remarkable.

During my absorption at the window they have prepared a dinner, or whatever it is named—five or six absurdly small loaves, three different kinds of fruit that has evidently been stored from summer (all new sorts) and a vessel of water. Not much after so long a fast! yet I learn they will take no more until to-morrow morning.

As with the young people, so it is with their parents—all look, words and tone of study gone. They enter into the humor of their children, and every one of the happy assemblage seems young.

Afternoon pastime is under discussion. Veritée wishes to accompany her mother and father to senate, to hear the debates.