Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/73

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LIFE IN THE OLD WORLD.
89

Yes, but how does the sky look? It looks dark and threatening. Last evening, there was a magnificent thunder-storm; to day it has rained from morning to night. If it should be fine in the morning, I shall go on foot with the rest of the inhabitants of the valley, although the road is said to be tolerably fatiguing, for I have greatly desired to be present at one of these assemblies, of which I have heard so much, and which reminds one of the inspired times of the early reformers, when the new-born church sprang forth from Romish Catholicism, and sung its Te Deum in the open fields or in the depths of the forests, under the bright, free vault of heaven.

If my journey to La Lechevette be prosperous, and the weather favorable, I shall continue my pedestrian journey as far as the Valleys of Comballez and Les Ormondes, so celebrated for their beauty, after which, I shall return hither. But, it rains, and the heavens are full of clouds.

Chateau-d'Œx, August 2d.—Again I am here, after—but I will relate every thing in due course. And first and foremost, I will speak of

THE MEETING AT LA LECHEVETTE.

At four o'clock in the morning, it was still cloudy, with mizzling rain, but by five the clouds had begun to disperse, and the sun faintly to illumine the mountain tops. It promised a fine day. The whole house was in motion; people were getting ready for the meeting. At six o'clock, I set out on my way thither, accompanied by the maidservant of the house, a certain strong and stout Julie, who carried my small