It may be God's pleasure that I should
outlive this war; but as, with His will, I am determined that I will
never lay down my sword till the soldiers of the Republic are driven
from the province, it is most improbable that I should do so. You must
teach yourself, Victorine, to look for my death, as an event certain to
occur, which any day may bring forth; and when the heavy news is brought
to you, bear it as a Christian woman should bear the afflictions of
this, world. I do not ask you not to weep for me, for that would be
putting too violent a constraint upon your nature, but do not weep over
much. Above all, Victorine, do not allow your sorrow to paralyse your
actions. You will have to act then, not only for yourself, but for your
child--for my daughter; and if you then give way to the violence of
sorrow, who shall think and care for her?"
She laid her beautiful head upon his bosom, and wept, and promised, and
prayed for him. And when he had finished what he felt he had to say,
what he wished to say once, and but once, before he left her, he became
more cheerful, and seemed to have more spirit for his work than he had
hitherto shewn.
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