As
he had justly observed, he would have willingly given half
his remaining years to be able to remove the source of the
sorrow which so deeply oppressed him.
When this violent paroxysm had somewhat subsided, De
Haldimar became more composed; but his was rather that
composure which grows out of the apathy produced by
overwhelming grief, than the result of any relief afforded
to his suffering heart by the tears he had shed. He had
continued some time in this faint and apparently tranquil
state, when confused sounds in the barrack-yard, followed
by the raising of the heavy drawbridge, announced the
return of the detachment. Again he started up in his bed
and demanded his clothes, declaring his intention to go
out and receive the corpse of his murdered brother. All
opposition on the part of the faithful Morrison was now
likely to prove fruitless, when suddenly the door opened,
and an officer burst hurriedly into the room.
"Courage! courage! my dear De Haldimar; I am the bearer
of good news. Your brother is not the person who has been
slain."
Again De Haldimar sank back upon his pillow, overcome by
a variety of conflicting emotions.
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