nd then fell down as if lifeless. Her head struck against the
bedstead, and a stream of blood gushed forth from her temples.

At this moment a tall man habited in black entered the room softly;
light locks surrounded the noble but somewhat aged head; the mild,
serious expression of the countenance, and the affectionate look of the
blue eyes showed, still more than the dress, whose servant he was. A
lady, who was not handsome, but whose countenance bore the stamp of
beauty of the soul, like her husband's, followed him. With a look of the
deepest compassion this couple surveyed the room, and then drew near the
sick-bed.

"Merciful heaven!" whispered they, "we are come too late! The children
are dead--and so is the mother!"

* * * * *

Let us now turn our eyes away from this dark picture that they may rest
upon a brighter one.

CHAPTER XVII.

A LANDSCAPE.

On one of the heights of the Dofrine Mountains we see three
travellers--an elderly man and two young ladies. He seems neither afraid
of trouble for himself nor for them; he seems as if he were accustomed
to it and could play with it. But he does all so affectionately; he goes
before them so friendly and kind, reaches out his hand and encourages
them to yet another effort, and they would then enjoy the magnificent
view; they would then be able to rest, and obtain refreshment at the
"saeter-hut"[20] above them! The daughters follow him smiling, and
overcome weakness and weariness for his sake! Now they are above on the
heights--and well are they rewarded for all the labour of climbing up
there! The earth lies below so rich, with its hills and valleys, dark
woods, fruitful plains--and there, in the far distance, sea and heaven
unite themselves in majestic repose!

With an exclamation of rapture the father extended his arms towards the
magnificent prospect; and the mountain wind--not keen here, but mild
from the breath of spring, agreeably cooled the cheeks of the wanderers.

The father went to the hut to obtain milk for himself and his daughters,
and in the mean time one of the daughters rested upon a moss-covered
stone and supported herself against a rock. Almond-scented linnea formed
a garland around her feet, and the joyous singing-birds ascended from
the valley. The sister, who stood near her and against whom she leaned
her lovely head whilst the wind played in her brown tresses, looked on
the comfortable dwellings which