Page:Shepherdess of the Alps (2).pdf/7

dare not ask. And then, said the old dame, what concern does she not give me, when, in spite of all our entreaties, the dear creature will, in the severest weather, lead abroad her bleating eare. A thousand times have I requested her, in the most earnest manner, to let me now and then relieve her; but my requests have never been complied with. She rises with the sun, conducts the flock, and does not return till it sets, often shivering with cold. How is it possible, my dear parents, she would say, with all the tenderness of a loving child, how is it possible that I should consent to let you leave fireside, to be exposed, at your age, to the inclemency of the season, which I, young as I am, can scarce support? At the same time she comes loaded with fagots, which she gathers in the wood; and when she sees I am troubled at the fatigue she must undergo, Don’t bo uneasy, says she, my dear mother, exereise keeps me warm, and labour is fit for my age. In short, my dear lady, she is as good as she is beautiful. My husband and I never speak of her but with tears of affection. What if you were deprived of her? said the Countess. Why, answered the old shepherd, we should be deprived of all that is dear to us in the world; but if she is to be happier for it, we should die content, and our misfortune would be our comfort. Oh! may kind heaven heap blessings on her head! There are none so great but what she deserves. I was in hopes her dear hands would have closed my eyes, for I love her much more than I do my life. Adelaide’s coming in put an end to the conversation. In one hand she carried a pan of milk, and in the other a basket of fruit; and after courtseying with a graco peculiar to herself, she set about the little household affairs, as if she was not the least taken notice of. My dear child, said tho Countess, you give yourself a deal of trouble. Not at all, madam: I endeavour to fulfil the intentions of the best of people, whose servant I am, to treat you in the best manner, with what their little ean produce; but I am afraid, continued she, whilst she was spreading on a coarse