it first to his lips, and then vehemently to his heart, and knelt before him, reverentially bending his forehead to the earth. The next moment, however, officers entering for directions, the attention of Roderick was diverted and Alexis forgotten.
In the mean time, M. de Mallet and his daughter, who had been exceedingly agitated by the events of the day, thought not of repose, but sat in the tent prepared for them, conversing upon the merits of their deliverers.
"I never saw a finer countenance," said M. de Mallet, "so noble, so animated, and yet so good."
"Good indeed," ejaculated his daughter; "surely if we could believe a superior spirit would ever descend upon earth, such would be the form he would assume!"
"How kindly he spoke, and how considerately!" exclaimed the father.
"How attentive he seemed, and how delicate!" rejoined the daughter.
"Such a majestic figure!"
"Such a graceful manner!"
