OAK-TREE. 77 



receive instruction, for the recluse was wise and pious, 

 and well knew how to impart both counsel and consolation 

 to those who needed. 



Among his most frequent visiters was Annette, the little 

 daughter of a neighbouring vine-dresser, who loved the old 

 man as if he had been her grandfather, and who often 

 descended the rugged path that led from her father's 

 cottage and small vineyard, to the valley where dwelt the 

 hermit. 



Winter among the Apennines is ofttimes terrible ; and 

 when snow begins to melt, the mountain streams are swollen 

 till they become raging torrents, which carry everything 

 before them. Such was the case during one terrific night ; 

 and when the father of Annette looked in the morning 

 from his window, he exclaimed, " Alas ! alas ! the hermit 

 must have perished ; see how furiously the flood is raging 

 through his valley : it has filled every nook, and in many 

 places the topmost boughs of tall trees only are visible 

 above the waters." 



