sickly smile played for a moment over the wan yet handsome
features of the young officer; "you would not have me
appear a weeping coward in their eyes."

"Nay, dear Charles, I did not say it."

"But you meant it, Blessington; yet, think not,"--and he
warmly pressed the hand of his captain,--"think not, I
repeat, I take your hint in any other than the friendly
light in which it was intended. That I have been no
coward, however, I hope I have given proof more than once
before the men, most of whom have known me from my very
cradle; yet, whatever they may think, is to me, at this
moment, a matter of utter indifference. Blessington,"
and again the tears rolled from his fixed eyes over his
cheek, while he pointed with his finger to the western
horizon, "I have neither thought nor feeling for myself;
my whole heart lies buried there. Oh, God of Heaven!" he
pursued after a pause, and again raising his eyes in
supplication, "avert the dreadful destiny that awaits my
beloved sister."

"Charles, Charles, if only for that sister's sake, then,
calm an agitation which, if thus indulged in, will
assuredly destroy you. All will yet be well. The delay
obtained by your father has been sufficient for the
purpose proposed. Let us hope for the best: if we are
deceived in our expectation, it will then be time enough
to indulge in a grief, which could scarcely be exceeded,
were the fearful misgivings of your mind to be realised