Page:Clermont - Roche (1798, volume 1).djvu/41

 surely the stranger, thought Madeline, and instantly her colour changed.

"Do you know him?" asked Clermont, rising as he spoke.

"No," replied the young peasant. Nevertheless he and his brother had carried him to their mother's cottage, who had laid him upon her best bed, and was then trying to bring him to himself. "But (added he) except his wounds are dressed, she can be of little service to him."

I have already said, that studying the works of nature was a favourite amusement of Clermont, and from that study and reading, he had learned the healing property of many simples, which he carefully gathered and administered with success to the external as well as internal complaints of his poor neighbours: to him the young peasant had therefore come without hesitation to solicit relief and assistance for the wounded stranger.