while he was in this state of perplexity, the shepherd himself appeared: his children ran to meet him; he took one of them in his arms, and, with the other clinging to his coat, came forward with a loitering step.his forlorn and melancholy look determined valancourt at once; he threw down all the money he had, except a very few louis, and bounded away after st.aubert and emily, who were proceeding slowly up the steep.valancourt had seldom felt his heart so light as at this moment; his gay spirits danced with pleasure;every object around him appeared more interesting, or beautiful, than before.st.aubert observed the uncommon vivacity of his countenance: 'what has pleased you so much?' said he.'o what a lovely day,' replied valancourt, 'how brightly the sun shines, how pure is this air, what enchanting scenery!' 'it is indeed enchanting,' said st.aubert, whom early experience had taught to understand the nature of valancourt's present feelings.'what pity that the wealthy, who can command such sunshine, should ever pass their days in gloom--in the cold shade of selfishness! for you, my young friend, may the sun always shine as brightly as at this moment;may your own conduct always give you the sunshine of benevolence and reason united!'
valancourt, highly flattered by this compliment, could make no reply but by a smile of gratitude.