Page:Legends of Rubezahl, and Other Tales (1845).djvu/271

 crone; “I have only this moment come from it. If you request of her a lodging for the night, it will be granted, but beware of infringing on the laws of hospitality; my lady has a charming daughter, who is extremely susceptible of tender impressions, and whose piercing eyes can hardly fail to reach your heart. Her mother watches over her with the utmost care; and were she to observe that any of her guests expressed too much tenderness for the Signorina Ughella, she would instantly cast some spell upon him, for she is a great enchantress, whom all the powers of nature, all the spirits of the air, obey.”

To this the Count paid very little attention, all he desired was a comfortable bed, wherein he might forget his cares for awhile. He immediately bridled his horse, and disposed himself to follow the old woman, who led him through the underwood, down into a pretty valley, watered by a swift rivulet. By an avenue of tall elms the traveller soon approached the wall surrounding the villa, the tall roofs and terraces of which, seen beyond, under a bright moon, looked charmingly amidst the wild forest scenery. The old woman opened a wicket leading into a pleasure garden, tastefully laid out, to which the splashing sound of a number of fountains gave additional freshness. Several ladies were promenading one of the broad walks, enjoying this freshness, and the lovely aspect of nature, on a fine calm summer’s night.