The grenadiers, with the senior subaltern, were
in orders for detachment for an important service; and
considerable displeasure had been manifested by the
colonel at my absence, especially as of late I had greatly
neglected my military duties. He had been looking for
me every where, he said, but without success, when Ensign
de Haldimar had pointed out to him in what direction it
was likely I might be found.
"At a calmer moment, I should have been startled at the
last observation; but my mind was too much engrossed with
the principal subject of my regret, to pay any attention
to the circumstance. It was said the detachment would be
occupied in this duty a week or ten days, at least; and
how was I to absent myself from her whom I so fondly
loved for this period, without even being permitted first
to see and account to her for my absence? There was
torture in the very thought; and in the height of my
impatience, I told the sergeant he might give my compliments
to the colonel, and say I would see the service d--d
rather than inconvenience myself by going out on this
duty at so short a notice; that I had private business
of the highest importance to myself to transact, and
could not absent myself.
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