CLAUDE the COLPORTEur. CHAPTER I. CLAUDE FIRST SEES LISA. OU look tired, my son," said an old woman "YOU bending under a load of fresh-cut grass on her back, as she came up to a dusty, travel-worn wayfarer resting on the road-side. "Tired I am, good mother," replied he, turning towards her a frank though somewhat careworn countenance; "tired, foot-sore, and thirsty; yet must I reach the town to-night, for I shall be busied there early to-morrow. Have I much farther to go?" "A good league; that is to say, a long league,” replied the old woman. "Ha! that is a bad hearing," rejoined he, "for B the fact is, I have broken a thorn into my foot, and limp sadly." Let me take it out for you," said the old woman, 'for I'm counted to have a ready hand at such matters. Stay, I fear I have no sharp implement about me. . . . I have left my housewife at home, and a brass pin might poison the flesh. Come on with me a little way, if you can; my cottage is but on yonder knoll, behind the cherry-orchard, and I will there take out your thorn before you can say Ave!" "It will be long enough before I say Ave," returned the traveller, smiling; "but I thank you heartily, good mother, and will readily accept your kindness." 66 Gently, then-don't hurry," said she, helping him up. "If it were not for this load of fodder for our old white cow, I'd carry your bag for you, if not yourself into the bargain.” I'm not worth what I have been, it's true," said she, "but the time has been, I can tell you, when I have lifted a heavier than you are. sick person a good deal However, no good comes |