CHAPTER XII.

I lay on my straw, but I could not sleep.

I thought of the occurrences of the day.

What chiefly struck me was the gentle manners of these people, and I longed to join them,

but dare not.

I remembered, too, well the treatment I had suffered the night before, from the barbarous

villagers, and resolved, whatever course of conduct I might hear after think it right

to pursue.

But for the present I would remain quietly in my hovel, watching and endeavouring to discover

the motives which influenced their actions.

The cottagers arose the next morning before the sun.

The young woman arranged the cottage and prepared the food, and the youth departed after

the first meal.

This day was passed in the same routine as that which preceded it.

The young man was constantly employed out of doors, and the girl in various laborious

occupations within.

The old man, whom I soon perceived to be blind, employed his leisure hours on his instrument,

or in contemplation.

Nothing could exceed the love and respect which the young cottagers exhibited towards their

venerable companion.

They performed towards him every little office of affection and duty with gentleness, and

he rewarded them by his benevolent smiles.

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