Pagina 524 de 817

At length, however, the remarks of her companions on her absence

of mind roused her, and she felt the necessity of appearing more

like herself.

They entered the woods, and, bidding adieu to the river for a

while, ascended some of the higher grounds; whence, in spots

where the opening of the trees gave the eye power to wander, were

many charming views of the valley, the opposite hills, with the

long range of woods overspreading many, and occasionally part of

the stream. Mr. Gardiner expressed a wish of going round the

whole park, but feared it might be beyond a walk. With a

triumphant smile, they were told, that it was ten miles round. It

settled the matter; and they pursued the accustomed circuit;

which brought them again, after some time, in a descent among

hanging woods, to the edge of the water, and one of its narrowest

parts. They crossed it by a simple bridge, in character with the

general air of the scene: it was a spot less adorned than any

they had yet visited; and the valley, here contracted into a

glen, allowed room only for the stream, and a narrow walk amidst

the rough coppice-wood which bordered it.