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"The old man had, in the meantime, been pensive, but on the

appearance of his companions he assumed a more cheerful air, and

they sat down to eat. The meal was quickly dispatched. The young

woman was again occupied in arranging the cottage, the old man

walked before the cottage in the sun for a few minutes, leaning

on the arm of the youth. Nothing could exceed in beauty the

contrast between these two excellent creatures. One was old, with

silver hairs and a countenance beaming with benevolence and love;

the younger was slight and graceful in his figure, and his

features were moulded with the finest symmetry, yet his eyes and

attitude expressed the utmost sadness and despondency. The old

man returned to the cottage, and the youth, with tools different

from those he had used in the morning, directed his steps across

the fields.