The Wanderer; or, Female Difficulties (Volume 4 of 5)Burney, Fanny
History
The Wanderer; or, Female Difficulties (Volume 4 of 5)
Burney, Fanny
France -- History -- Revolution, 1789-1799 -- Refugees -- Fiction; Historical fiction; Refugees -- Fiction; War stories
Terrour, which puts us into any state but that which is natural,
bestows, occasionally, what, in common, it robs us of, presence of mind.
Juliet knew that flight, to the intelligent, though dumb friend of man,
was well seen to be cowardice, and instinctively judged to be guilt.
Aware, therefore, that if she could not appease his fury, it were vain
to attempt escaping it, she compelled herself to turn round and face
him; holding out her hand in a caressing attitude, that seemed inviting
his approach; though with difficulty sustaining herself upon her feet,
from a dread of being torn to pieces.
The rage, unprovoked, but not inexorable, of the animal, withstood not
this manifestation of kindness: from a pace so rapid, that it seemed
menacing to level her with the earth by a single bound, he abruptly
stopt, to look at and consider his imagined enemy; and from a barking,
of which the stormy loudness resounded through the forest, his tone
changed to a low though surly growl, in which he seemed to be debating
with himself, whether to attack a foe, or accept a friend.
The hesitation sufficed to ensure to Juliet the victory. Encouraged by a
view of success, her address supplanted her timidity, and, bending
forwards, she called to him with endearing expressions. The dog, caught
by her confidence, made a grumbling but short resistance; and, having
first fiercely, and next attentively, surveyed her, wagged his tail in
sign of accommodation, and, gently advancing, stretched himself at her
feet.
Juliet repaid his trust with the most playful caresses. Good and
excellent animal, she cried, what a lesson of mild philanthropy do you
offer to your masters! The kindness of an instant gains you to a
stranger, though no unkindness, nor even the hardest usage, can alienate
you from an old friend!
She now flattered herself that, by following as he led, she might have a
guide, as well as a protector, to the habitation to which he belonged.
She sate by his side, determined to wait his movements, and to pursue
his course. Perfectly contented himself, he basked in the sun-beams that
broke through the thicket, and was evidently soothed, nay, charmed, by
the fond accents with which she solicited his friendship.
This nearly silent, but expressive intercourse, was soon interrupted by
a vociferous Haloo! from a distant part of the wood.
Up started the new companion of Juliet, who arose, also, to accompany,
or, at least, to trace his steps. Neither were possible. He darted from
her with the same rapidity, though wide from the same ferocity, as that
with which he had at first approached her: vain was every soft appeal,
lost was every gentle blandishment; in an instant he was out of sight,
out of hearing,--she scarcely saw him go ere he was gone. Faithful
creature! she cried, 'tis surely his master who calls! A new tie may
excite his benevolence; none can shake his fidelity, nor slacken his
services.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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