The Mysteries of Udolpho

Emily delighted to observe the grandeur of these clouds as they changed

in shape and tints, and to watch their various effect on the lower

world, whose features, partly veiled, were continually assuming new

forms of sublimity.

After traversing these regions for many leagues, they began to descend

towards Rousillon, and features of beauty then mingled with the scene.

Yet the travellers did not look back without some regret to the sublime

objects they had quitted; though the eye, fatigued with the extension

of its powers, was glad to repose on the verdure of woods and pastures,

that now hung on the margin of the river below; to view again the humble

cottage shaded by cedars, the playful group of mountaineer-children, and

the flowery nooks that appeared among the hills.

As they descended, they saw at a distance, on the right, one of the

grand passes of the Pyrenees into Spain, gleaming with its battlements

and towers to the splendour of the setting rays, yellow tops of woods

colouring the steeps below, while far above aspired the snowy points of

the mountains, still reflecting a rosy hue.

St. Aubert began to look out for the little town he had been directed to

by the people of Beaujeu, and where he meant to pass the night; but no

habitation yet appeared. Of its distance Valancourt could not assist him

to judge, for he had never been so far along this chain of Alps before.

There was, however, a road to guide them; and there could be little

doubt that it was the right one; for, since they had left Beaujeu, there

had been no variety of tracks to perplex or mislead.

The sun now gave his last light, and St. Aubert bade the muleteer

proceed with all possible dispatch. He found, indeed, the lassitude of

illness return upon him, after a day of uncommon fatigue, both of body

and mind, and he longed for repose. His anxiety was not soothed by

observing a numerous train, consisting of men, horses, and loaded

mules, winding down the steeps of an opposite mountain, appearing and

disappearing at intervals among the woods, so that its numbers could not

be judged of. Something bright, like arms, glanced in the setting ray,

and the military dress was distinguishable upon the men who were in the

van, and on others scattered among the troop that followed. As these

wound into the vale, the rear of the party emerged from the woods, and

exhibited a band of soldiers. St. Aubert's apprehensions now subsided;

he had no doubt that the train before him consisted of smugglers, who,

in conveying prohibited goods over the Pyrenees, had been encountered,

and conquered by a party of troops.