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“I went downstairs lost in thought; Raesel was already in the apiary. Young opened the door and pointed her out to me sitting in the shade of the wild vine, with her forehead resting on her hands, as if in a doze.

“‘Be careful,’ said he to me, ‘not to awake her; her mind is elsewhere; she sleeps; she is wandering about; she is happy.’

“The bees were swarming about by thousands, like a flood of gold over a precipice.

“I looked on at this wonderful sight for some seconds, praying the Lord would continue His love for the poor child.

“Then turning round–

“‘Master Young,’ said I, ‘it is time to go.’

“He buckled my knapsack on for me himself, and put my stick into my hand.

“Mistress Catherine looked on kindly, and they both accompanied me to the threshold of the chalet.

“‘Farewell!’ said Walter, grasping my hand; ‘a pleasant journey; and think of us sometimes!’

“‘I can never forget you,’ I replied, quite melancholy; ‘may your bees flourish, and may Heaven grant you are as happy as you deserve to be!’

“‘So be it, M. Hennetius,’ said good Dame Catherine; ‘amen; a happy journey, and good health to you.’

“I moved off.

“They remained on the terrace until I reached the road.

“Thrice I turned round and waved my cap, and they responded by waving their hands.

“Good people; why cannot we meet with such every day?’

“Little Raesel accompanied me to the foot of the mountain, as she had promised. For a long time her musical hum lightened the fatigue of my journey; I seemed to recognise her in every bee which came buzzing about my ears, and I fancied I could hear her say in a small shrill tone of voice–

“‘Courage, M. Hennetius, courage; it is very hot, is it not? Come, let me give you a kiss; don’t be afraid; you know we are very good friends.’

“It was only at the end of the valley that she took leave of me, when the sound of the lake drowned her gentle voice; but her idea followed me all through my journey, nor do I think it will ever leave me.”