Page:Walter Scott - The Monastery (Henry Frowde, 1912).djvu/114

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46
The Monastery
Chap. V

were equally unattended to by Peter of the Brig, as he was called. Father Philip at length moved down the river to take the ordinary ford at the head of the next stream. Cursing the rustic obstinacy of Peter, he began, nevertheless, to persuade himself that the passage of the river by the ford was not only safe, but pleasant. The banks and scattered trees were so beautifully reflected from the bosom

Father Philip at the Ford
Father Philip at the Ford

Father Philip at the Ford

of the dark stream, the whole cool and delicious picture formed so pleasing a contrast to his late agitation, to the warmth occasioned by his vain endeavours to move the relentless porter of the bridge, that the result was rather agreeable than otherwise.

As Father Philip came close to the water's edge, at the spot where he was to enter it, there sat a female under