mind, which grew worse every day, and which he could not comfort; and he feared that as his imagination was always on the same object, and the same thoughts, it would end in the total loss of his reason: Philip,"

said he, one day, "if you go and consult the old shepherd of the mountain, perhaps he can advise you or give you some consolation." Philip eagerly seized this idea, he had heard speak of this shepherd as an extraordinary being, who had, they said, the talent of predicting the approach of the winter snows, or where the avalanche would fall. Most of the mountaineers considered him as a sorcerer, who communed with the devil; and others, less superstitious, as a sly rogue, who would impose on their credulity to get fame in his science. Saméne him. self had the same opinion; but, in the afflicting state in which he saw his son, he even thought that any thing that seemed capable of diverting him, or diminishing his fears, would be desirable. Already, the idea of going to consult the old shepherd scemed to reanimate him, “I will go seek the old shepherd,” said he to his father at parting; “if he gives me good news, and that the winter will not be a threatening one, you will soon see your son return, and return happy; but if he announces an avalanche, oh, my father, I will never more quit Hilde garde, for I will perish with her, since I cannot live without her.” “Go, my son," said the old Saméne, wiping his eyes, "may the old shepherd cheer thee up, and send thee back more tranquil to thy father." He set off, and

Conrad's, for he wished to speak to him. d also had the most tender compassion state in which she saw her lover, and

as much as himself; she tried with great ecal him to reason; "I would do anysaid she "but you know how unkind and be to leave my dear parents." "I know , "I feel it, but cannot bear to see you filial affection and love." "But Philip," ess, if you were able to persuade me to and all your fears were one day realized, think I could have saved them, or have them? I should never forgive myself, nor d should die of grief." "But," replied e them to follow you; could they refuse 3?" No, Philip, nothing reasonable;

but they love God, more than me; they offend him by leaving the spot in which d them to live and die, when and how he would think themselves deficient towards d make themselves unhappy; and at their ce more in a future state, than in the short k remains for them on earth. No, Philip, them the pain to refuse me anything; but, has put this silly idea of the avalanche 1." "Nobody, I swear to you, it is a preich struck me the moment you pronounced anche, and it has never quitted me since,

but I will speak of it to some one.” “Speak, if that will ease you; but to whom will you speak ?” asked she. "I would not do any thing without telling you; I have already the permission of my father, and I ask your's. I go to speak to the old shepherd of the mountain." Hildegarde turned as pale as death, and lowered her eyes to the ground. "What ails my dear girl?" said Philip. “It is the mountain prophet," said she, after recovering herself a little; "I saw him a short time since; I was alone on the glaciers, and sitting under a rock, and thinking of you, Philip, and the unhappy thoughts that occupied your mind, when of a sudden I raised my eyes, and saw before me the old shepherd, with his long white beard, leaning on his stick; I had not heard him come, and he looked at me with such an expressive air, that he frightened me a little; bling asked him what he saw in me, and why he looked at me so earnestly? Dost thou dwell below, in that cottage, my child?' said he. Yes, that is my dwelling.' In that case I pity you.' Why do you pity me, good shepherd?' 'I dare not tell you,' said he, and pressed my hand with affection, and left me.” have you not told this to your parents, Hildegarde?" No, Philip, I should perhaps make them uneasy." Struck with the goodness of her heart, Philip tenderly embraced her; she could no longer restrain her tears, which fell in abundance, for she now partook of Philip's uneasiness-a veil seemed to be withdrawn from before

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