DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.61479#0057
THE SISTER OF CHARITY.
21
objecting to the former alternative, adopted the latter; the maiden,
indeed, soon learnt to look on Wardeck with that fondness wherewith
a young girl universally regards the first object of her affections.
There was something in his situation that appealed peculiarly to her
tenderness. He was a stranger and a captive ; and these two circum-
stances invested him with a character at once of misfortune and mystery,
very seductive to a female heart.
It was far from Wardeck’s intention to abuse or trifle with the
partiality he had inspired. He delighted, indeed, in the idea of
making Beatrice his spouse; but he was scarcely able to dispose of
himself. He had left in his own country a family both proud and
powerful, who would be certain to combat such a purpose. His hand,
in truth, had been from a very early period of his life pledged to the
daughter of an opulent baron. Under these circumstances he hesitated ;
—at times striving to conquer the passion which had begun to obtain
entire mastery over him,—at others yielding to its sweet influence,
and resolving to disavow all participation in that species of barter
wherein his parents and those of his betrothed had indulged.
This conflict of feeling gave rise to a thousand contrary projects,
which chased each other through his bosom. To obtain the consent of
his friends to an alliance with Beatrice, was the end and aim of all his
schemes; but the difficulties appearing in his way seemed almost
insurmountable, and no decisive plan of action had been selected by
the colonel, when suddenly peace was concluded between France and
Austria: the prisoners of each nation were restored to their own
country ; and, among the rest, Wardeck quitted his temporary residence,
after vowing to Beatrice everlasting constancy. “ Never, said he,
“ shall I love another woman ! My family will not always continue
inflexible; and soon I trust, dearest, that we shall be reunited nevei
21
objecting to the former alternative, adopted the latter; the maiden,
indeed, soon learnt to look on Wardeck with that fondness wherewith
a young girl universally regards the first object of her affections.
There was something in his situation that appealed peculiarly to her
tenderness. He was a stranger and a captive ; and these two circum-
stances invested him with a character at once of misfortune and mystery,
very seductive to a female heart.
It was far from Wardeck’s intention to abuse or trifle with the
partiality he had inspired. He delighted, indeed, in the idea of
making Beatrice his spouse; but he was scarcely able to dispose of
himself. He had left in his own country a family both proud and
powerful, who would be certain to combat such a purpose. His hand,
in truth, had been from a very early period of his life pledged to the
daughter of an opulent baron. Under these circumstances he hesitated ;
—at times striving to conquer the passion which had begun to obtain
entire mastery over him,—at others yielding to its sweet influence,
and resolving to disavow all participation in that species of barter
wherein his parents and those of his betrothed had indulged.
This conflict of feeling gave rise to a thousand contrary projects,
which chased each other through his bosom. To obtain the consent of
his friends to an alliance with Beatrice, was the end and aim of all his
schemes; but the difficulties appearing in his way seemed almost
insurmountable, and no decisive plan of action had been selected by
the colonel, when suddenly peace was concluded between France and
Austria: the prisoners of each nation were restored to their own
country ; and, among the rest, Wardeck quitted his temporary residence,
after vowing to Beatrice everlasting constancy. “ Never, said he,
“ shall I love another woman ! My family will not always continue
inflexible; and soon I trust, dearest, that we shall be reunited nevei