But listen--"
All did listen with intense anxiety; and the pang of blasted hope was
added to their misery, as they saw the glow of delight which had beamed
on the countenance of the major give place to a look of horror. The
paper contained the sentence of the court, and underneath was written
these simple words,--
"Approved--GEO. WASHINGTON."
"He's lost, he's lost!" cried Frances, sinking into the arms of her
aunt.
"My son! my son!" sobbed the father, "there is mercy in heaven, if there
is none on earth. May Washington never want that mercy he thus denies to
my innocent child!"
"Washington!" echoed Dunwoodie, gazing around him in vacant horror.
"Yes, 'tis the act of Washington himself; these are his characters; his
very name is here, to sanction the dreadful deed."
"Cruel, cruel Washington!" cried Miss Peyton. "How has familiarity with
blood changed his nature!"
"Blame him not," said Dunwoodie; "it is the general, and not the man;
my life on it, he feels the blow he is compelled to inflict."
"I have been deceived in him," cried Frances. "He is not the savior of
his country; but a cold and merciless tyrant. Oh! Peyton, Peyton! how
have you misled me in his character!"
"Peace, dear Frances; peace, for God's sake; use not such language. He
is but the guardian of the law.
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