Henry summoned assistance, and applied the usual restoratives, but he
did not again venture to address her; and, as her pale features
exhibited signs of returning consciousness, he hurried from the room.
As the hour of his departure drew near, he bade an affectionate farewell
to Colonel Dumont, who was confined to his room by illness. His kind
friend used many entreaties for him to prolong his stay, but Henry
pleaded his duty, and that the dying request of a brother officer
required him to take a journey into Georgia, which would consume some
three or four weeks' time. He intended to go to his future station by
the way of the Mississippi, and promised that, if any time were left him
on his return, he would again visit Bellevue. This, however, he thought
was improbable.
Colonel Dumont gave his _protege_ much good advice, and, as his failing
health had infected his usually cheerful spirits, he said that they
would probably meet no more in this world. He frankly told him that he
should remember him in his will, and wished him ever to regard Emily in
the relation of a _sister_.
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