The Wanderer; or, Female Difficulties (Volume 5 of 5)Burney, Fanny
History
The Wanderer; or, Female Difficulties (Volume 5 of 5)
Burney, Fanny
France -- History -- Revolution, 1789-1799 -- Refugees -- Fiction; Historical fiction; Refugees -- Fiction; War stories
'I have all my life,' continued he, 'fostered, as the wish next my
heart, the idea of being the object of some marvellous adventure: but
fortune, more deaf, if possible, than blind! has hitherto famished all
my elevated desires, by keeping me to the strict regimen of mere common
life. Nevertheless, to die like a brute, without leaving behind me one
staring anecdote, to be recounted by my successors to my little nephews
and nieces;--no! I cannot resolve upon so hum-drum an exit. Late,
therefore, last night, I counselled with my tiny friends; and the rogues
told me that those whom adventures would not seek, must seek adventures.
They then suggested to me, that to visit some romantic spot, far removed
from all living ken, or a vast unfrequented plain; where no leering eye,
with deriding scrutiny, no envious ear, with prepared impertinence,
could peep, or overhear;--where not even a bird could find a twig for
the sole of his paw;--there to encounter a lovely nymph; to dally with
her in dulcet discourse; to feast upon the sweet notes of her melodious
voice;--while obedient fays, and sprightly elves, should accoutre some
chosen fragment with offerings appropriate to the place and the
occasion--'
One of his grooms, here, demanded of him a private audience.
He retired to some distance, and the heart-oppressed Juliet relieved her
struggling feelings by weeping without controul.
While pondering upon her precarious destiny, she perceived, through an
opening between two large stones, that Sir Jaspar had placed himself
upon an eminence, where, apparently, by his gestures, he was engaged in
an animated discourse.
She concluded that the valet de chambre was arrived from the inn; but,
soon afterwards, she was struck with motions so extraordinary, and by an
appearance of a vivacity so extravagant, that she almost feared the
imagination of the Baronet had played him false, and was superseding his
reason. She arose, and softly approaching, endeavoured to discover with
whom he was conversing; but could discern no one, and was the more
alarmed; though the nearer she advanced, the less he seemed to be an
object of pity; his countenance being as bright with glee, as his hands
and arms were busy with action.
After some time, she caught his eye; when, ceasing all gesticulation, he
kissed his hand, with a motion that invited her approach; and, gallantly
resigning his seat, begged her permission to take one by her side.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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