48 PEARLS AND PEBBLES. 



ance of islands, above which the dark fringe of forest- 

 clothed shores was visible, while the white creamy 

 vapors below made mimic lakes and streams. 



Then in a moment all was changed. The mirage of 

 the shadowy landscape disappeared ; a breath of cool air 

 from the water separated the mist and lifted it like 

 a gold-tinted veil, high above the trees, capes, islands, 

 bays and forest-crowned headlands, until all faded away, 

 leaving but a dream of beauty on the gazer's mind — a 

 memory to be recalled in after years when musing over 

 past scenes of a life where lights and shadows form a 

 mingled pattern of trials and blessings. 



