" And forthwith he
shoulders Marston, lands him like a bale of cotton on one of the
seats, much to the amusement of those on board, sending forth shouts
of applause. The party are on board; all is quiet for a minute;
again the music strikes up, the barge is gliding over the still
bosom of the fairy-like stream.
The sun has just sunk into a fiery cloud that hangs its crimson
curtains high in the heavens, shedding refulgent beauty over the
dark jungle lining the river's banks. And then, twilight, as if
stealing its way across the hills, follows, softening the scene.
Soon it has gone, the landscape sleeps, tranquilly arched by the
serene vault of a southern sky. Everything seems peaceful, reposing,
and serene; the air breathes warm and balmy, distributing its
invigorating influence. The music has ceased, nothing but the ripple
of the water is heard; then the stars, like pearls suspended over
the dark surface, begin to glimmer and shine. Above all is the moon,
like a silver goddess, rising stealthily and shedding her pale light
upon the calm glow.
Onward, onward, onward, over the still stream, winding its way to
the great deep, they move; and again the music echoes and re-echoes
through the forest, over the lawn; dying away in chimes that faintly
play around us. The sudden changes in the heavens,--monitor of things
divine,--call up in Lorenzo's feelings the reverses of fortune that
will soon take place on the plantation. He had never before
recognised the lesson conveyed by heavenly bodies; and such was the
effect at that moment that it proved a guardian to him in his future
career.
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