Page:Shepherdess of the Alps (1).pdf/10

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passionate desire of serving her. The object which his imagination has formed, is ever in his mind. Turin became insupportable; the valley where the inestimable jewel was hid, was the loadstone that attracted his heart; 'tis there he places all his happiness, but how to get at it? If his designs are found out, what difficulties to surmount! His parents will never consent to the journey he intends: 'twill not be looked upon as the mere effects of curiosity, but be deemed a youthful folly that may have bad consequences: and the shepherdess may be alarmed at his presence, and shun his addresses; if it is discovered, he loses her for ever. After three months struggle, he determined to quit all for her alone, and under the disguise of a shepherd, find her out in the lonely valley, and there remain till death if he could not prevail on her to leave it.-He disappeared-His father and mother missed him with great consternation, and waited his return with the greatest impatience. Their apprehensions increased more and more, and his absence continuing, the whole family was plunged into consternation. Their fruitless search and enquiries completed their distress: however, at last, these unfortunate parents are reduced to the loss of their only child. Whilst the afflicted family of Fonrose was in this dejection, the youth arrived at the valley which had been described, & in the habit of a peasant, presented himself to some of the neighbouring cottagers, and offered his services. His ambition is satisfied. He is accepted of, and a flock is committed to his care. At first he only followed the sheep wherever they chose to feed, in hopes that chance would direct