ogne, the largest and
wealthiest city on the banks of the Rhine. The Cathedral of Cologne is
the most splendid structure of the kind in Europe, and Jerome and
Clotelle viewed with interest the beautiful arches and columns of this
stupendous building, which strikes with awe the beholder, as he gazes
at its unequalled splendor, surrounded, as it is, by villas, cottages,
and palace-like mansions, with the enchanting Rhine winding through the
vine-covered hills.

After strolling over miles and miles of classic ground, and visiting
castles, whose legends and traditions have given them an enduring fame,
our delighted travellers started for Geneva, bidding the picturesque
banks of the Rhine a regretful farewell. Being much interested in
literature, and aware that Geneva was noted for having been the city of
refuge to the victims of religious and political persecution, Jerome
arranged to stay here for some days. He was provided with a letter of
introduction to M. de Stee, who had been a fellow-soldier of Mr.
Devenant in the East India wars, and they were invited to make his
house their home during their sojourn. On the side of a noble mountain,
whose base is kissed by the waves of Lake Geneva, and whose slopes are
decked with verdure to the utmost peak of its rocky crown, is situated
the delightful country residence of this wealthy, retired French
officer. A winding road, with frequent climbs and brakes, leads from
the valley to this enchanting spot, the air and scenery of which cannot
be surpassed in the world.

CHAPTER XXXIV

CLOTELLE MEETS HER FATHER.

The clouds that had skirted the sky during the day broke at last, and
the rain fell in torrents, as Jerome and Clotelle retired for the
night, in the little town of Ferney, on the borders of Lake Leman. The
peals of thunder, and flashes of vivid lightening, which seemed to leap
from mountain to mountain and from crag to crag, reverberating among
the surrounding hills, foretold a heavy storm.

"I would we were back at Geneva," said Clotelle, as she heard groans
issuing from an adjoining room. The sounds, at first faint, grew louder
and louder, plainly indicating that some person was suffering extreme
pain.

"I did not like this hotel, much, when we came in," I said Jerome,
relighting the lamp, which had been accidentally extinguished.

"Nor I," returned Clotelle.

The shrieks increased, and an occasional "She's dead!" "I killed her!"
"No, she is not dead!" and su