Page:Shepherdess of the Alps (1).pdf/3

S race, the wearied soul arrives at the wished for goal and calmly drops into eternity, to renew its vigour in the pure source of immortality. But, alas! how distant is the prospect! how slowly it passes away. In saying these words the shepherdess moved on; her head declined with a suppiness in her attitude, which gave ease and dignity to her gait and mein. Struck with amazement at what they saw, and more with what they heard, the Count and Countess redoubled their steps to overtake her. But what was their surprise, when under her coarse straw hat and mean apparel, they met with every beauty, every grace. Pray child, said the Countess (finding she cndeavouredendeavoured [sic] to shun them) be not alarmed; we are travellers, that an aceidentaccident [sic] obliges us to ask for shelter till morning in one of your cabins: be so kind as to be our guide. I am very sorry, madam, answered the shepherdess, blushing and casting down her eyes, that you will be but ill accommodated, as thcsethese [sic] huts belong to very poor people. You live here I suppose, said the Countess: and surely I may put up with the inconveniences for one night when you undergo them continually. There is a wide difference, said the modest shepherdess: I am brought up to it. My conditions has its sweets for one that knows no other state of life. Custom and example create wants for the wealthy, which the poor are ignorant of. It may be so with those that are born in this solitude, said the Count; but for you charming unknown, you are not what you seem to be; your air, your voice, your language betray your disguise. These few words you have said discover a noble soul, and a cultivated education.