Vaudelier. He read in her varying color
the relation they had sustained to each other.
"I have no alternative but hope," said Emily; "but it seems like hoping
against the certainty of evil."
"I saved the life of a gentleman this morning who must shortly have
perished without aid. He, too, had lost a dear friend."
"Indeed!" said Emily, with interest.
"Yes; but he was much injured, and will require the most diligent care."
"I trust your merciful endeavors will be crowned with success. Do you
know the gentleman?"
"I do not. He has not yet been able to converse much. He was dressed in
the uniform of an officer."
"An officer! Perhaps it is he!" exclaimed Emily.
Dr. Vaudelier was much interested in the adventure, and the pale,
anxious features of Emily excited his sympathy for her.
"As I dressed his wounds," said he, "I noticed the initials upon his
linen. Perhaps these may afford some clue."
"What were they?" exclaimed Emily, scarcely able to articulate, in the
intensity of her feelings.
"H.C."
"It is he! It is he! And you say he is wounded?"
"I am sorry to say he is.
Pages:
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274