In a Glass Darkly, v. 2/3
t fall of Napoleon had thrown the continent open to English excursionists, anxious, let us suppose, to improve their minds by foreign travel; and
line. You could not look back or forward, without seeing into far perspective the clouds of dust which marked the line of the long series of vehicles. We were, perpetually, passing relays of
d less attention; I think, however, that it was about four miles to the frontier side of a rather picturesque little town, the name of which, as of many m
head were popped out of the window of the carriage in distress. Its tournure, and that of the shoulders that also appeared for a moment, was captivating: I resolved to play the part of a good Samaritan; stopped my chaise,
a black muffler which came up to his ears and nose, quite covering the lower part of his face, an arrangement which he disturbed by pulling
t time, was French; and I replied, I hope and believe, grammatically. Many bows being exchanged,
le speech in such pretty, broken English, and in a voice so sweet, that
e, upon what the heralds call a 'field or.' The bird was standing upon one leg, and in the other claw held a stone. This is, I believe, the
vants, the elegance of their travelling carriage, and the s
snobs or moral flunkies. Superiority of rank is a powerful and genuine influence in love. The idea of superior refinement is associated with it. The careless
being nearly six feet high. Why need this lady have thanked me? Had not her husband, for such I assumed him to be, thanked me quite enough, and
in the golden sunlight, and a wise young gentleman followed her
p at whatever posting-house it should stop at. We were soon in the little town, and the carriage we follo
down, and mounted the steps listlessly,
I should find them. I peeped into the apartment to my rig
nd, beside myself, contained but one living figure-a very pretty and lady-like one. There was the very bonnet with which I had fall
give me an opportunity of seeing her features. She did not; but with a step or two she placed herself befor
icture; for it now reflected a half-lengt
which she held in her slender finge
its features, or the brilliancy of its tints. The eyes, indeed, were lowered, so that I could not see their colour; nothing but their long lashes, an
eautiful face with perfect distinctness. I saw even the blue veins
s too much interested to move from the spot, for a few moments longer; and while they were passi
from the glass, with a haughty stare, and hastily
every look and movement, the minutest, with an attention a