Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVIII. Arnold's Mother. Max Croner had not judged the villagers correctly. At first, indeed, the feeling against him had been one of universal horror; but gradually the pastor's influence and example had led others to share the feelings of pity for the criminal with which the divine Master had inspired him. Many amongst them heard of his repentance with thankful joy, and felt true sorrow at the thought of his blighted life, and his intended departure to the distant country, where he would, in all probability, die in friendless exile. In the Black Valley, where his name was never mentioned, all felt a secret sympathy when they heard of the death of his poor mother. Both at Burgwald and Tourneges, many true Christians were found ready to come forward and offer to follow the widow to her grave, even though they had to go through heavy rain and wind all the way to the cottage in the Oak-grove. That evening, when all were resting quietly beside their own hearths, a thick smoke rose above the tops of the oaks and the firs. As the wind carried it away in gusts, they saw flames ascending to the sky. "It is the Croners' cottage," they cried. "It is on fire!" It had soon passed, and as the last flames died away, many an eye in the village was wet with tears. Max wished that the spot should bear the traces of the desolation of his own life, and in destroying all that belonged to him, he asked to be forgotten by all. But there were some at Burgwald, who would never forget, but always pray. After that day, with some few little episodes, the life of all resumed its usually regular and somewhat monotonous course. The lingering summer, which seemed to tarry behind, until winter had almost overtaken it, still allowed the two families to meet on...