Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/245

 cottage of some mountaineer, attended by him and his family with assiduous hospitality; or else beneath the shadow of some cliff, o'er which the light chamois bound, and tall pines cast a solemn shade. Oh, how delightful must such a situation be!—how delightful, how elevating to the mind to be surrounded by the noblest works of nature,—by scenes which bring the heroes of other days to view!—how pleasing to listen to the soft melody of shepherds' pipes, to the bleating of his numerous flocks, intermingled perhaps with the lulling sound of waterfalls, and the humming of bees, intent on their delicious toil!"

"You speak like a poet, Madeline," said the Countess, smiling.

Madeline blushed at this observation, and wondered, when it was made, that she could have given such latitude to her imagination.