"
"We will not differ about terms, sir," said the colonel, haughtily. "I
spoke as duty to my sovereign prompted; but do you not call the loss of
a commander a misfortune to a party?"
"It certainly may be so," said the trooper, with emphasis.
"Miss Peyton, will you favor us with a toast?" cried the master of the
house, anxious to stop this dialogue.
The lady bowed her head with dignity, as she named "General Montrose";
and the long-absent bloom stole lightly over her features.
"There is no term more doubtful than that word misfortune," said the
surgeon, regardless of the nice maneuvers of the host. "Some deem one
thing a misfortune, others its opposite; misfortune begets misfortune.
Life is a misfortune, for it may be the means of enduring misfortune;
and death is a misfortune, as it abridges the enjoyments of life."
"It is a misfortune that our mess has no such wine as this," interrupted
the trooper.
"We will pledge you a sentiment in it, sir, as it seems to suit your
taste," said Mr. Wharton.
Lawton filled to the brim, and drank, "A speedy peace, or a stirring
war."
"I drink your toast, Captain Lawton, though I greatly distrust your
construction of activity," said the surgeon. "In my poor judgment,
cavalry should be kept in the rear to improve a victory, and not sent in
front to gain it.
Pages:
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270