This plan I was therefore
compelled to abandon; and as neither of us were able to
discover the passage by which the deer always effected
its entrance, I was obliged to fix upon one, which it
was agreed should be put in practice on the following
day.
"On my return, I occupied myself with preparations for
the reception of her who was so speedily to become my
wife. Unwilling that she should be seen by any of my
companions, until the ceremony was finally performed, I
engaged apartments in a small retired cottage, distant
about half a mile from the furthest extremity of the
town, where I purposed she should remain until the regiment
finally quitted the station. This point secured, I
hastened to the quarters of the chaplain, to engage his
services for the following evening; but he was from home
at the time, and I repaired to my own rooms, to prepare
the means of escape for your mother. These occupied me
until a very late hour; and when at length I retired to
rest, it was only to indulge in the fondest imaginings
that ever filled the heart of a devoted lover. Alas!
(and the dark warrior again sighed heavily) the day-dream
of my happiness was already fast drawing to a close.
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