Pagina 10 di 483

Among these there was one which attracted my mother far above all

the rest. She appeared of a different stock. The four others were

dark-eyed, hardy little vagrants; this child was thin and very

fair. Her hair was the brightest living gold, and despite the

poverty of her clothing, seemed to set a crown of distinction on

her head. Her brow was clear and ample, her blue eyes cloudless,

and her lips and the moulding of her face so expressive of

sensibility and sweetness that none could behold her without

looking on her as of a distinct species, a being heaven-sent, and

bearing a celestial stamp in all her features.