The little boy by her side was
indeed a child of surpassing beauty. His complexion was clear and fair,
and a profusion of dark brown hair clustered in thick curls around his
full white brow. His childish features were lighted up by large and
expressive eyes of a dark hazel color. He was a child which the most
careless observer would hardly pass by without turning to gaze a second
time upon his wondrous beauty.
I have been thus particular in describing the little boy as he is to be
the principal actor in the simple scenes of my story.
As they walked slowly forward the woman addressed the child in a voice
that was weak and tremulous from fatigue, saying,--
"We must call at some house and seek a shelter for the night, for indeed
I am unable to walk further."
It required not this remark from her to satisfy the beholder of her
inability to proceed, for extreme fatigue and exhaustion were visible in
her every motion.
She approached the door of a handsome dwelling situated in the central
portion of the village, and rang the bell. The door was opened by an
elderly-looking man, who accosted her civilly and seemed waiting for her
to make known her errand.
In a low and timid voice the woman asked him if he would allow herself
and child to rest for the night beneath his roof?
He replied, in a voice that was decidedly gruff and crusty,--
"There are two hotels in the village; we keep no travellers here," and
immediately closed the door in her face.
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