Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 1).djvu/174

 plain and humble was her attire, simple and unfashioned her air; a good height, and a clear brown skin, with a ruddy complexion, were all her attractions. "Behold the child of nature! (thought he;) innocence of heart, simplicity of manners!" She came down to her sheep, the small rivulet only parted them. He saluted her. She returned a rustic bow, looking earnestly on him: "I have lost my way, shepherdess, and am faint and tired."

"Go round the hill (said she, pointing with her finger) there is a little bridge, cross it, follow the path way, it will bring you up to our cottage, my father is there, and you may rest yourself."

"And you (said he) where do you dwell?"

"There also (answered she.) When I have watered and housed my sheep, I shall come there too."

Ferdinand did not hesitate; he walked slowly to the bridge, and with difficulty began to climb the winding ascent. After much fatigue he reached a kind of platform in the