`` Healthy and quiet age does not sleep thus . Our slumber is no more like his than our wakefulness . '' The longer they looked , the more did this elderly couple feel interested in the unknown youth to whom the wayside and the maple shade were as a secret chamber with the rich gloom of damask curtains brooding over him . Perceiving that a stray sunbeam glimmered down upon his face , the lady contrived to twist a branch aside so as to intercept it , and , having done this little act of kindness , she began to feel like a mother to him . `` Providence seems to have laid him here , '' whispered she to her husband , `` and to have brought us hither to find him , after our disappointment in our cousin 's son . Methinks I can see a likeness to our departed Henry . Shall we waken him ? '' `` To what purpose ? '' said the merchant , hesitating . `` We know nothing of the youth 's character . '' `` That open countenance ! '' replied his wife , in the same hushed voice , yet earnestly . `` This innocent sleep ! '' While these whispers were passing , the sleeper 's heart did not throb , nor his breath become agitated , nor his features betray the least token of interest . Yet Fortune was bending over him , just ready to let fall a burden of gold . The old merchant had lost his only son , and had no heir to his wealth except a distant relative with whose conduct he was dissatisfied . In such cases people sometimes do stranger things than to act the magician and awaken a young man to splendor who fell asleep in poverty . `` Shall we not waken him ? '' repeated the lady , persuasively . `` The coach is ready , sir , '' said the servant , behind .
The old couple started , reddened and hurried away , mutually wondering XXXXX they should ever have dreamed of doing anything so very ridiculous .
To after as behind except in of over than that