408 Colonel Vernon; or, [AiBiL, 



had been prepared to receive it: so at least we wished Vernon to 

 believe. Then the muskets were loaded with ball, and, by com- 

 mand of the general, it was my duty to see that this part of the 

 arrangement, came under the prisoner's observation. Two pistols were 

 prepared as for the provost to dispatch him if the muskets should 

 fail." 



" Poor Vernon ! and he how did he bear it ?" 



" Nobly. I did think, such a dismal array would have produced 

 some effect but no, he was true heart of oak. To him all these things 

 seemed matter of course. The muffled drum beat, and the fifes struck 

 up the hundred and fourth Psalm. On a former occasion, when the 

 burial service was thus performed for the living, I saw him tremble, and 

 a tear fell for the poor deserter, then about to die. But, in his own case, 

 no emotion could be traced. His step was firm his air serene." 



The sound of muskets was heard. 



" Heard ye that roar ! Even now, fortified as I am, well knowing 

 that my Vernon is safe, a shuddering thrill runs through my frame. 

 Great God ! what had my feelings been, if the sentence had really been 

 carried into effect ! had that awful sound announced the shedding of 

 rny husband's blood. But what has caused that firing ?" 



" Doubtless, Madam, it was the last experiment on the firmness of 

 Vernon. I did not know the thing was to be carried quite so far. But 

 all must be over now. I hear a confused murmur footsteps come this 

 way. I fly to meet my friend." 



He left the room. 



" This suspense, or rather this state of anxious expectation, has been 

 much protracted, Sir/' Isabel remarked. " Would that it were termi- 

 nated ! But now they are coming. How full of rapture is this moment ! 



" Lady, remember." 



" You would say, that human happiness cannot be of long duration." 



" And mortals should ever look for an awful change." 



" Nay, this is a gloomy thought bear with me, Sir ; but I will not 

 cherish it in this hour of transport." 



Sidney reappeared, but he 110 longer seemed himself. Joy and satis- 

 faction but a few moments before had heightened the healthful glow of 

 his manly cheek. Now, pale and aghast, his countenance exhibited but 

 the unequivocal expression of horror and ineffable dismay. 



With a faltering voice, he at length broke silence : 



ff To the mysterious decree of Heaven we all must bow." 



" Spare this excruciating preparation, Sir. Where where is he ? 



where is Vernon ? Does he live, or or " and she paused without 



power to give utterance to the awful alternative which then, like the 

 vivid lightning's sudden and partial illumination of the night- troubled 

 ocean, burst on her mind. " But no j; this is a new device to try my 

 love and fortitude." 



" I know not how to answer but the tidings cannot be withheld." 



" Speak. Does he live ?" 



" He lived when I quitted his side, but I am forced to add, a fatal 

 accident has unhappily occurred." 



" Annihilate me ! Tell me all. He lived, but was about to expire ?" 



" The men have fired, and my gallant friend " 



" Has fallen," exclaimed Isabel. "I know it. The dark presenti- 

 ment Came over me with funereal gloom. Oh ! Sir," she added, while her 



