A LANDSCAPE.
On one of the heights of the Dofrine Mountains we see three
travellers--an elderly man and two young ladies. He seems neither afraid
of trouble for himself nor for them; he seems as if he were accustomed
to it and could play with it. But he does all so affectionately; he goes
before them so friendly and kind, reaches out his hand and encourages
them to yet another effort, and they would then enjoy the magnificent
view; they would then be able to rest, and obtain refreshment at the
"saeter-hut"[20] above them! The daughters follow him smiling, and
overcome weakness and weariness for his sake! Now they are above on the
heights--and well are they rewarded for all the labour of climbing up
there! The earth lies below so rich, with its hills and valleys, dark
woods, fruitful plains--and there, in the far distance, sea and heaven
unite themselves in majestic repose!
With an exclamation of rapture the father extended his arms towards the
magnificent prospect; and the mountain wind--not keen here, but mild
from the breath of spring, agreeably cooled the cheeks of the wanderers.
The father went to the hut to obtain milk for himself and his daughters,
and in the mean time one of the daughters rested upon a moss-covered
stone and supported herself against a rock. Almond-scented linnea formed
a garland around her feet, and the joyous singing-birds ascended from
the valley. The sister, who stood near her and against whom she leaned
her lovely head whilst the wind played in her brown tresses, looked on
the comfortable dwellings which gleamed forth below from amid green
trees and beside clear waters, and her affectionate but unimpassioned
heart rejoiced itself over the scene, which seemed to say to her, "Here
may one live calmly and happily!" At that moment she heard her name
spoken by a loving voice; it was Eva's, who, while she pointed with hand
and eye towards heaven, where the clouds began to divide themselves, and
stripes of blue light gleamed forth like friendly eyes, "Seest thou,
Leonore," said she, gently smiling, "it will be bright!"
"Will it be bright? Ah, thank God!" whispered Leonore in reply, with
eyes full of joyful tears, as she laid her cheek against the brow of her
sister.
FOOTNOTES:
[20] Saeter-huette among the mountains of Norway answer to the Senne of
the Swiss mountains. During the summer the inhabitants of many parts of
Norway withdraw from their villages to others, especially when situated
higher on the mountains, where they can fell wood and find better
pasturage for their cattle. They dwell with their herds in these saeters,
which are generally abandoned in winter.--M. H.