How felt--how acted Colonel de Haldimar throughout this
brief but terrible scene? He uttered not a word. With
his arms still folded across his breast, he gazed upon
the murder of his child; but he heaved not a groan, he
shed not a tear. A momentary triumph seemed to, irradiate
his pallid features, when he saw the blow struck that
annihilated his enemy; but it was again instantly shaded
by an expression of the most profound despair.
"It is done, gentlemen," he at length remarked. "The
tragedy is closed, the curse of Ellen Halloway is fulfilled,
and I am--childless!--Blackwater," he pursued, endeavouring
to stifle the emotion produced by the last reflection,
"pay every attention to the security of the garrison,
see that the drawbridge is again properly chained up,
and direct that the duties of the troops be prosecuted
in every way as heretofore."
Leaving his officers to wonder at and pity that apathy
of mind that could mingle the mere forms of duty with
the most heart-rending associations, Colonel de Haldimar
now quitted the rampart; and, with a head that was remarked
for the first time to droop over his chest, paced his
way musingly to his apartments.
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