Oh God! to die without guilt--to be cut off
in his youth--to be shot as a traitor--and that simply
for obeying the wishes of the officer whom he loved!--the
son of the man who now spurns all supplication from his
presence. It is inhuman--it is unjust--and Heaven will
punish the hard-hearted man who murders him--yes, murders
him! for such a punishment for such an offence is nothing
less than murder." Again she wept bitterly, and as Captain
Blessington still essayed to soothe and raise her:--"No,
no! I will not leave this spot," she continued; "I will
not quit the side of Mr. de Haldimar, until he pledges
himself to intercede for my poor husband. It is his duty
to save the life of him who saved his brother's life;
and God and human justice are with my appeal. Oh, tell
me, then, Mr. de Haldimar,--if you would save my wretched
heart from breaking,--tell me you will intercede for,
and obtain the pardon of, my husband!"
As she concluded this last sentence in passionate appeal,
she had risen from her knees; and, conscious only of the
importance of the boon solicited, now threw herself upon
the breast of the highly pained and agitated young officer.
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