Page:Works of Jules Verne - Parke - Vol 7.djvu/116

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96
A FLOATING CITY

cipal resort of English and Americans in the warm months. They come here to breathe, to be cured by the sublime spectacle of the Falls. Our Ellen seemed to be struck at first sight by this glorious scenery, and we have come to stay on the banks of the Niagara. You see that villa, 'Clifton House,' in the midst of those trees, half way up the hill; that is where we all live, with Mrs. R———, Fabian's sister, who is devoted to our poor friend."

"Has Ellen recognized Fabian?" I asked.

"No, not yet," replied the captain. "You are aware, however, that at the moment when Drake was struck dead, Ellen had a brief interval of consciousness. Her reason became clear in the gloom which surrounded her, but this did not last long. At the same time, since we brought her to breathe this fresh air in this quiet place ,the doctor has discovered a sensible improvement in her condition. She is calm, her sleep is tranquil, and there is a look in her eyes as though she were trying to think of something past."

"Ah," my dear friend;" cried I, "you will cure her. But where are Fabian and his betrothed?"

"Look!" said Corsican, and he pointed towards the shore of the Niagara. In the direction indicated by the captain I saw Fabian, who had not yet noticed us. He was standing on a rock, and a few feet in front of him sat Ellen perfectly motionless, Fabian watching her all the time. This spot on the left bank is known by the name of "Table Rock." It is a kind of rocky promontory jutting out into the river, which roars at a distance of four hundred feet below. Formerly it was more extensive, but the crumbling away of large pieces of rock has now reduced it to a surface a few yards square.

Ellen seemed absorbed in speechless ecstasy. From this place the aspect of the Falls is "most sublime," as say the guides, and they are right. It gives a view of two cataracts; on the right the "Canadian Fall," the crest of which, crowned with vapors, shut in the horizon on one side, like the horizon of the sea. In front is the "American Fall," and above, the elegant village of Niagara Falls, half hidden in the trees; on the left, the whole perspective of the river flowing rapidly between its high banks, and below the torrent struggling against the overthrown ice-bergs.

Corsican, the Doctor, and I went towards Table Rock,