The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

THE MOTHER'S GRAVE. 37
liad heard the filial and religious feelings
with which her soul overflowed, and this
knowledge of her character deepened the
impressions which her beauty had made,
and intensified his love with admiration and
esteem. Echard felt the delicacy of his
position, and the difficulty of addressing
her, for her grief seemed too great for
the presence of a stranger. Moreover, she
would naturally mistrust him, for he bore
the uniform of Savoy, and was a member
of that Church which had brought desola-
tion upon their past sanctuary of home.
Irresolute what to do, he advanced into
the ebbing light, and taking off his morion
knelt down. "Lord of Hosts," cried he,
" bind up yon broken heart, and visit not
upon us the sins which have brought ruin
upon this household."
Ardoine heard the voice, and started to
her feet. Turning round she beheld the
kneeling figure, and a glance assured her
that it was her former protector Echard.