I saw him myself, and helped to nurse him--was very much
interested in him; he was terribly ill and is now very, very weak--his
recovery doubtful. He has told me much of his past life. Now, will you
not tell me what he is to you, for I see you are deeply moved?"
"Did he tell you anything of the girl who drove him off without a
kind word--heaping upon him reproaches and wounding his noble heart
to the core? If he did, it was I. Oh, how I have suffered since! Even
when I accused him of cowardice and treachery, in my heart I was proud
of him. Oh! tell me where he is, that I may go to him. I have been
looking for him every moment since the battle. Take me, please?"
"He is at the 'Douglas,' but very sick; I saw him not two hours ago. I
fear any sudden shock, even of joy. You are never absent from his
mind: he has never mentioned your name, but he has told me much. Now,
tell me, will you not, how it is you are here? And then we most devise
a plan to take you to him without too great a shock."
She said:
"These black robes are for my brother. He bade me do what I could for
the suffering and wounded on both sides, and find Paul. I will give
you a letter I received written by him a few days previous to his
death.
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