Reports of fire-arms had been heard, at an early hour, from opposite
points in the hills, and in a manner too distinct to be mistaken for
echoes; a certain proof that the different members of the hunt had
separated in the forest. Under such circumstances, it was not difficult
for the imagination of a wife and a mother, of a sister, or of her who
secretly confessed a still more tender interest in some one of the
hunters, to conjure to the imagination the numberless dangers to which
those who were engaged in these expeditions were known to be exposed.
"I doubt that the chase hath drawn them further from the valley than is
fitting for the hour and the season," observed Ruth to her maidens, who
had gathered in a group about her, at a point that overlooked as much of
the cleared land around the buildings, as the darkness would allow; "the
gravest man becomes thoughtless as the unreflecting child when led by the
eagerness of the pursuit. It is the duty of older heads to think for those
that want experience--but into what indiscreet complaints are my fears
leading! It may be that my husband is even now striving to collect his
party, in order to return.
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