in the expectation I should be alone. At a fitting hour
I shall be found where Captain Blessington's subaltern
should be--with his company."

"De Haldimar--dear De Haldimar, forgive me!" returned
his captain. "Heaven knows I would not, on any
consideration, wantonly inflict pain on your sensitive
heart. My design was to draw you out of this desponding
humour; and with this view I sought to arouse your pride,
but certainly not to wound your feelings. De Haldimar,"
he concluded, with marked expression, "you must not,
indeed, feel offended with one who has known and esteemed
you from very boyhood. Friendship and interest in your
deep affliction of spirit alone brought me here--the same
feelings prompted my remark. Do you not believe me?"

"I do," impressively returned the young man, grasping
the hand that was extended to him in amity. "It is I,
rather, Blessington, who should ask you to forgive my
petulance; but, indeed, indeed," and again his tone
faltered, and his eye was dimmed, "I am more wretched
even than I am willing to confess. Pardon my silly
conduct--it was but the vain and momentary flashing of
the soldier's spirit impatient of an assumed imputation,
and the man less than the profession is to be taxed with
it. But it is past; and already do you behold me once
more the tame and apprehensive being I must ever continue
until all is over."

"What can I possibly urge to console one who seems so