It is time to get a
little rest, for to-morrow is like to prove a trying day to some
of us."
Deerslayer arose as he spoke, and Judith had no choice but to comply.
The chest was closed and secured, and they parted in silence, she
to take her place by the side of Hist and Hetty, and he to seek
a blanket on the floor of the cabin he was in. It was not five
minutes ere the young man was in a deep sleep, but the girl continued
awake for a long time. She scarce knew whether to lament, or to
rejoice, at having failed in making herself understood. On the
one hand were her womanly sensibilities spared; on the other was
the disappointment of defeated, or at least of delayed expectations,
and the uncertainty of a future that looked so dark. Then came
the new resolution, and the bold project for the morrow, and when
drowsiness finally shut her eyes, they closed on a scene of success
and happiness, that was pictured by the fancy, under the influence
of a sanguine temperament, and a happy invention.
Chapter XXV
"But, mother, now a shade has past,
Athwart my brightest visions here,
A cloud of darkest gloom has wrapt,
The remnant of my brief career!
No song, no echo can I win,
The sparkling fount has died within.
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