第17章

After a moment's hesitation, St.Aubert again stopped the carriage, and waited till he came up, that they might enquire concerning the hamlet they were in search of.The stranger informed him, that it was only half a league distant, that he was going thither himself, and would readily shew the way.St.Aubert thanked him for the offer, and, pleased with his chevalier-like air and open countenance, asked him to take a seat in the carriage; which the stranger, with an acknowledgment, declined, adding that he would keep pace with the mules.'But I fear you will be wretchedly accommodated,' said he:

'the inhabitants of these mountains are a simple people, who are not only without the luxuries of life, but almost destitute of what in other places are held to be its necessaries.'

'I perceive you are not one of its inhabitants, sir,' said St.

Aubert.

'No, sir, I am only a wanderer here.'

The carriage drove on, and the increasing dusk made the travellers very thankful that they had a guide; the frequent glens, too, that now opened among the mountains, would likewise have added to their perplexity.Emily, as she looked up one of these, saw something at a great distance like a bright cloud in the air.'What light is yonder, sir?' said she.

St.Aubert looked, and perceived that it was the snowy summit of a mountain, so much higher than any around it, that it still reflected the sun's rays, while those below lay in deep shade.

At length, the village lights were seen to twinkle through the dusk, and, soon after, some cottages were discovered in the valley, or rather were seen by reflection in the stream, on whose margin they stood, and which still gleamed with the evening light.

The stranger now came up, and St.Aubert, on further enquiry, found not only that there was no inn in the place, but not any sort of house of public reception.The stranger, however, offered to walk on, and enquire for a cottage to accommodate them; for which further civility St.Aubert returned his thanks, and said, that, as the village was so near, he would alight, and walk with him.Emily followed slowly in the carriage.

On the way, St.Aubert asked his companion what success he had had in the chase.'Not much, sir,' he replied, 'nor do I aim at it.I am pleased with the country, and mean to saunter away a few weeks among its scenes.My dogs I take with me more for companionship than for game.This dress, too, gives me an ostensible business, and procures me that respect from the people, which would, perhaps, be refused to a lonely stranger, who had no visible motive for coming among them.'

'I admire your taste,' said St.Aubert, 'and, if I was a younger man, should like to pass a few weeks in your way exceedingly.I, too, am a wanderer, but neither my plan nor pursuits are exactly like yours--I go in search of health, as much as of amusement.' St.Aubert sighed, and paused; and then, seeming to recollect himself, he resumed: 'If I can hear of a tolerable road, that shall afford decent accommodation, it is my intention to pass into Rousillon, and along the sea-shore to Languedoc.You, sir, seem to be acquainted with the country, and can, perhaps, give me information on the subject.'

The stranger said, that what information he could give was entirely at his service; and then mentioned a road rather more to the east, which led to a town, whence it would be easy to proceed into Rousillon.

They now arrived at the village, and commenced their search for a cottage, that would afford a night's lodging.In several, which they entered, ignorance, poverty, and mirth seemed equally to prevail; and the owners eyed St.Aubert with a mixture of curiosity and timidity.