I've seen sicker men live, and
I've seen those who seemed less sick die."
"Alas! then there is no way yet of deciding upon his case," said the
boy.
"None, Master Ruez; but we'll hope for the best; that is all that
can be done."
Ruez Gonzales walked out of the barracks and by the guard with a sad
countenance, and whistling for Carlo, who had crouched by the
parapet until his young master should come out, he turned his steps
up the Calla de Mercaderes to his home. Ruez sought his sister's
apartment, and throwing himself upon a lounge, seemed moody and
unhappy. As he reclined thus, Isabella regarded him intently, as
though she would read his thoughts without asking for them. There
seemed to be some reason why she did not speak to him sooner, but at
last she asked:
"Well, Ruez, how is Captain Bezan, to-day? have you been to the
barracks to inquire?" She said this in an assumed tone of
indifference, but it was only assumed.
"How is he?" repeated Ruez, after turning a quick glance of his soft
blue eyes upon his sister's face, as though he would read her very
soul. Isabella felt his keen glance, and almost blushed.
"Yes, brother, pray, how is Captain Bezan, to-day? do you not know?"
"His life hangs by a mere thread," continued the boy, sadly,
resuming again his former position.
Pages:
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71