"Oh! sweet!" he murmured as he offered to take her hand, but she
darted forward, and following her, he found himself a few moments
after, standing by her side, and looking down upon one of the
loveliest lakes that ever slept in the embrace of jealous hills.
CHAPTER XV.
A CATASTROPHE.
"You disparage these scenes," said Stevens, after several moments
had been given to the survey of that before him, "and yet you have
drawn your inspiration from them--the fresh food which stimulates poetry
and strengthens enthusiasm. Here you learned to be contemplative;
and here, in solitude, was your genius nursed. Do not be ungrateful,
Margaret--you owe to these very scenes all that you are, and all
that you may become."
"Stay! before I answer. Do you see yon bird?"
"Where?"
"In the west--there!" she pointed with her fingers, catching his
wrist unconsciously, at the same time, with the other hand, as if
more certainly to direct his gaze.
"I see it--what bird is it?"
"An eagle! See how it soars and swings; effortless, as if supported
by some external power!"
"Indeed--it seems small for an eagle.
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