You
are his friend--you share his confidence--you doubtless know the origin
of this depression."
"I do, general; a very common cause of trouble to young men--a young
lady."
"A young lady," repeated General Davenant, in the same gloomy tone. "He
has committed the imprudence of falling in love, as the phrase is,
with--Miss Conway."
He paused before the words "Miss Conway," and uttered them with evident
repugnance. They issued from his lips, indeed, with a species of jerk;
and he seemed glad to get rid of them, if I may so express myself.
"I can talk of this affair with you, colonel," he added, gloomily, "for
Will has told me of your regard for him."
I bowed, and said:--
"You are not wrong in supposing that I am one of your son's best
friends, general. I was long in the cavalry with him--there is no more
heroic soldier in the army--and it has given me sincere sorrow to see
him laboring under such melancholy."
General Davenant, with his hand covering his brow, listened in silence.
"I have not inquired the origin of this depression," I added--"that
would have been indiscreet--though I know Will would tell me. I guessed
it, however, and I have visited the young lady at her house to-night. I
will certainly use my utmost exertions to remove all obstacles.
Pages:
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370