were usually made half in jest half in earnest, there
was no reason to doubt the young and lively baronet was,
in truth, heartily tired of a service which seemed to
offer nothing but privations and annoyances, unmixed with
even the chances of obtaining those trophies to which he
alluded; and, but for two motives, there is every
probability he would have seriously availed himself of
the earliest opportunity of retiring. The first of these
was his growing friendship for the amiable and gentle
Charles de Haldimar; the second the secret, and scarcely
to himself acknowledged, interest which had been created
in his heart for his sister Clara; whom he only knew from
the glowing descriptions of his friend, and the strong
resemblance she was said to bear to him by the other
officers.

Clara de Haldimar was the constant theme of her younger
brother's praise. Her image was ever uppermost in his
thoughts--her name ever hovering on his lips; and when
alone with his friend Valletort, it was his delight to
dwell on the worth and accomplishments of his amiable
and beloved sister. Then, indeed, would his usually calm
blue eye sparkle with the animation of his subject, while
his colouring cheek marked all the warmth and sincerity
with which he bore attestation to her gentleness and her
goodness. The heart of Charles de Haldimar, soldier as
he was, was pure, generous, and unsophisticated as that
of the sister whom he so constantly eulogized; and, while
listening to his eloquent praises, Sir Everard learnt to
feel an interest in a being whom all had declared to be