Irishman--having risen from the ranks, the coarseness of
which he had never been able to shake off, was little
calculated, either by habits or education, to awaken
feelings, except of the most ordinary description, in
his favour; and he and Ensign Delme were the only exceptions
to those disinterested and tacit friendships that had
grown up out of circumstances in common among the majority.
If, therefore, they could regret the loss of such a
companion as Murphy, how deep and heartfelt must have
been the sorrow they experienced when they beheld the
brave, generous, manly, amiable, and highly-talented
Frederick de Haldimar--the pride of the garrison, and
the idol of his family--lying extended, a cold, senseless
corpse, slain by the hand of the bosom friend of his own
brother!--Notwithstanding the stern severity and distance
of the governor, whom few circumstances, however critical
or exciting, could surprise into relaxation of his habitual
stateliness, it would have been difficult to name two
young men more universally liked and esteemed by their
brother officers than were the De Haldimars--the first
for the qualities already named--the second, for those
retiring, mild, winning manners, and gentle affections,
added to extreme and almost feminine beauty of countenance
for which he was remarkable. Alas, what a gloomy picture
was now exhibited to the minds of all!--Frederick de
Haldimar a corpse, and slain by the hand of Sir Everard
Valletort! What but disunion could follow this melancholy
catastrophe? and how could Charles de Haldimar, even if
his bland nature should survive the shock, ever bear to
look again upon the man who had, however innocently or