Demoine courier., 1856-11-06

Language, 'lbs. have saved my iife.' My
words they could net understand, bu, my
sentiment I am sure they did.
Marie and Laura, as ,hey were called
in The valley, were beloved by all the in
habitantA OF Lauterbiunn. They de-
lighted in good deeds, and often climbed
The mountains to carry assistance TO sick
conagers. Their dwelling was not far
from mine, and as soon as they learned
Of my illness they fastened to tend upon
me. Thanks 10 their care. I recovered,
and became a frequen, visitor at their cot
,age. Gratitude made j. aduty, and love
made a Necessity.
applied myself diligently to the stu
dy of their language. and, with Marie
and Laura for my instructors. | soon ac-
CURED grea, proficiency in il. and could
converse freely with the shepherds upon
the mountains. Obliged, like them, to
earn my ownliv,ng. l soon began 10 val
Ne my hard.earned necessaries, and 10
forget the existence Of luxuries. After
a hard DAYS work. l thoroughly enjoyed
my evening meal Of coarse bread and
goats milk. NV sleep was peaceful.
and visions Of Laura danced through my
dreams.
/ supposed Marie and Laura were "a.
tiyes Of L%au.erbrunn. They wore the
costumes and spoke the language Of the
country; but | could not but observe a
marke ed difference between their amer
and those of the simple Swiss shepherd
ess. The latter possessed a cha rming
na,uralness, and at the same time an air
OF russici,y. Marie and Laura possess
ed the same na;uralnsss, but a high-bred
refinement and cultivation was mingled
with il. They were calculated to adorn
any station, however exalted
In the meantime, activity and pure air
Of the mountains accomplished miracles
in my behalf. l could climb the steep.
es, rocks, and the mos, slippery paths.
pursued tie chamois into Amos, mac
cessibls retreats, and leapIng a ffigh,fuI
chasm was a mere amusement. After
osing so feeble, I r~ejoiced in my strength,
and acquired a wonderful vitality aud
energy. hsEeE
One day I reached the summit of the
Scheldeg, and contemplated the vast
scene around me--high rocks, steep
preclpices. and apparently bo.iomlfss
abysses; while far, far beaealh ms. lay,
10 miniature, the smiling valleys of Lau-
terbrunn and Grindelwold. A few iigh,
clouds lowered above the horizon, and
looked like floating mountains.
l was lost 10 admiration a, the glorious.
scene. when suddenly a terrible noise
like ,hundsr rebervera,ed through the
mountains. This fearful sound increas.
ed, aud a thousand echoes repeated H.
/, safely out of reach Of the avalanches,
began to descend with great ra pidity,
when ! heard a piercing cry, and saw
upon a n~eighborihg eminencs a young
woman stretching her arms imploringly
towards me. few TO wards her; and
received The unfortunate girl fainting in.
my arms. l bore her from tho dam
gerous spot. One moment more, and |
would have been too late. Il was Laura,
and no other Than Laura. whom / ha !
rescued from death. ] felt myself en-
dowed with new strength, and carried
her in my arms without perceiving the
weight oi my precious burihen. ! dashed
down the mountain with the agility Of a
ehsmoise, never stopping to breathe, un
I'll | reached the dwelling Of Marie.
Laura. tempted BY The serenity Of the
atmosphere. had vsn,ured upon The
moun,ains 10 collec. some plants. and
vas surprised by tho avalanche in the
mids. Of her occupation. After this day
assumed the entire charge Of Marie and
Laura. On Sundays and feis days es-
cor.ed them to the village. and jOineG in
the dance with the young people upon
the green. These were ,hs happiesl
moments al my life, for ! asksd Of Heav.
en- 90 greater felicity Than that Of seeing
Laura every day.
In the meantime my year Of exile had
nearly expired. My health was entirely
r~e-ss,sblished, and 10 my expectations Of
death had succeeded all the hope Of
friendship and love. ! though. Of my
friends al home, but could not decide TO
leave ! country to which | was indebted
for the creates, Of all benefits, health.
and besides. how could | abandon Lau.
ra? l could more easily have renounced
life.
The ~nrincinla events of our existence