Beyond this terrace came vast flats of rich green sward laid out in formal
walks, flower-beds and fountains; and beyond these again stretched some two
or three miles of finely wooded park, pierced by long avenues that radiated
from a common centre and framed in exquisite little far-off views of
Falkenlust and the blue hills of the Vorgebirge.
We were lodged at the back, where the private gardens and offices abutted
on the village. Our own rooms looked upon our own garden, and upon the
church and Franciscan convent beyond. In the warm dusk, when all was still,
and my father used to sit smoking his meerschaum by the open window, we
could hear the low pealing of the chapel-organ, and the monks chanting
their evening litanies.
A happy time--a pleasant, peaceful place! Ah me! how long ago!
2
A whole delightful Summer and Autumn went by thus, and my new home seemed
more charming with every change of season. First came the gathering of the
golden harvest; then the joyous vintage-time, when the wine-press creaked
all day in every open cellar along the village street, and long files of
country carts came down from the hills in the dusk evenings, laden with
baskets and barrels full of white and purple grapes.
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