Happily, Hetty did not fly. On the contrary, though
not without terror, she knelt with her face towards the animal,
and with clasped hands and uplifted eyes, repeated the prayer of
the previous night. This act of devotion was not the result of
alarm, but it was a duty she never neglected to perform ere she slept,
and when the return of consciousness awoke her to the business of
the day. As the girl arose from her knees, the bear dropped on
its feet again, and collecting its cubs around her, permitted them
to draw their natural sustenance. Hetty was delighted with this
proof of tenderness in an animal that has but a very indifferent
reputation for the gentler feelings, and as a cub would quit its
mother to frisk and leap about in wantonness, she felt a strong
desire again to catch it up in her arms, and play with it. But
admonished by the growl, she had self-command sufficient not to put
this dangerous project in execution, and recollecting her errand
among the hills, she tore herself away from the group, and proceeded
on her course along the margin of the lake, of which she now caught
glimpses again through the trees. To her surprise, though not to
her alarm, the family of bears arose and followed her steps, keeping
a short distance behind her; apparently watching every movement as
if they had a near interest in all she did.
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