It was late noon; the cattle had sought the shade from the slanting sun, and, far beyond, the holy castle of Marksburg raised its battlements above mountains covered with the vine.

On the water two boats had been drawn alongside each other; and from one, now moving to the land, the splash of oars broke the general stillness of the tide.

Fast by an old tower the fishermen were busied in their craft, but the sound of their voices did not reach the ear.

It was life, but a silent life, suited to the tranquillity of noon.
"There is something in travel," said Gertrude, "which constantly, even amidst the most retired spots, impresses us with the exuberance of life.
We come to those quiet nooks and find a race whose existence we never dreamed of.

In their humble path they know the same passions and tread the same career as ourselves.