that I first began to comprehend and feel the power of the Creator of the mighty universe—then it was I began to appreciate the wonderful productions of his hand, and viewed the scene of nature around me with feelings hitherto unknown and unfelt. Every thing I beheld appeared to me in a new and different light; and now I acknowledge the goodness of the wonderful providence which has brought us here together at the very extremity of Europe, as if to prove that pure and faithful love will meet with an asylum every where. Oh! my dear and blessed mother, should your invisible spirit still deign to hover near me, oh! bless I beseech you our union.”
Overpowered and fainting, she sank upon my deeply agitated breast, whilst the big tears, rolling down her beauteous cheeks, bespoke the agitation of her heart, and denied all further utterance. I was on the point of enfolding the sweet form of my betrothed bride within my arms, with the most rapturous delight, when the side-door opened, and in stepped—her grandfather! Well might the old count feel alarmed and astonished at finding his granddaughter in the arms of a stranger! I trembled with fear, as if the angel of paradise, with his flaming sword, stood before me.
My beautiful betrothed, however, having now recovered her strength, immediately introduced me to him as the friend of whom she had already spoken, and of whom the hermit had so often written, and, but lately, communicated further particulars. She then modestly, and with blushes added, that I was the friend with whom she now this very moment had renewed her former vows of faith; and, sinking on her knees, with filial piety and love, she fervently entreated her grandfather’s paternal blessing.
The count, however, whose aged blood of seventy years, flowed somewhat slower than ours, said, with a smile, that there was certainly no need of such very great haste, seeing the case was not so desperately pressing; and, giving me a most hearty welcome, he turned towards Liesli, and raising her up, affectionately patted her cheek, soothing her with the
