Louisa Stuart Costello

“ He was a handsome, strongly built, and active youth, amiable and obliging, and very much in love, but very timid, particularly in the presence of Elphège, who delighted to torment and agitate him, for she had not been slow to observe the impression her beauty had made on his susceptible heart. ”

“ It will bring ill luck.”
“I require no advice,” answered she, pettishly, as she hurried past him, and went on her way to her cottage. He looked after her, reproachfully; and as she entered the flax-field, she observed that he was returning towards Vassivière, and did not attempt to follow her.
“Sister,” said she, “the afternoon is so fine, that I will lead the goats to browse by the great lake.”
As her sister never contradicted her wishes, she made no difficulties ; and Elphège took her distaff and spindle, and driving her goats before her, went up the mountain. ”

“ More than one, however, of the goatherds of Montchalme have seen the little boat, without any one in it, dart from behind a certain ledge of dark roeks which border the lake, and have watched it for some time till it disappeared down the gulf. This is always a signal for a fearful storm, and whoever witnesses it hurries with the flocks from the neighbourhood, and seeks shelter from its fury ”

“ She continued her way to the lake, and there she beheld, sitting on a block of stone, the stranger.
Their interview was long and animated ; his expressions of love were ardent, and he was so handsome, so fascinating, that Elphege felt it impossible to resist his proposals, and consented to give him her hand.—" Since you love me," said he, " you will not refuse a confidence which "I have a right to claim. ”

“ Go with me instantly, and let us be married at the church of Vassivii re, where the priest is now waiting for us ; we will then return to your sister, and surprise her by our news, and we shall thus prevent the comments of your envious neighbours. ”