As
it is I am happy."
"And I am wretched," said the soldier; "had the choice been offered
me of thy death or mine, how quickly would I have fallen for thee,
who hast been more than a sister, a dear, kind sister to me."
The sufferer covered her face with her hands; his tender words, and
his gentle accents of voice, and the truthful expression of his
face, for one moment reached her hear; through its most sensitive
channel! But the struggle was only for a moment; the cold hand of
death was upon her; she felt even the chill upon her system. A
slight shudder ran through her frame. She crossed her hands upon her
bosom, and closing her eyes, breathed a silent prayer, and pressed
the glittering cross that hung about her neck fervently to her lips.
Then turning to the soldier she said:
"You may well love her, general, for she is very beautiful, and
worthy of you," referring to Isabella Gonzales, who had just
returned to her apartment.
"She is as lovely in person as in mind. But, alas! must I stand here
powerless, and see you, but an hour ago so perfectly well, so full
of life and beauty, die without one effort to save you?"
"It is useless," said the sufferer.
Pages:
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233