Britomarte started as if she had suddenly received a stab; but quickly recovered herself, and firmly replied:
“Then I congratulate you, Justin. I would to Heaven I could stand at your side—your brother-in-arms—on the day of battle!”
“So would not I,” said Justin, gravely—“so would not I. But, Britomarte, you have it in your power to give my arm great strength, if you please to do so.”
“Love of your country should be all sufficient to nerve your arm, Justin,” she answered, earnestly.
He took her hand, and sought to read her face; but she turned away her head to conceal the emotion she could not quite control.
They were interrupted:
“‘Malbrook is bound to the wars!
Malbrook is bound to the wars!
Malbrook is bound to the wars!
And I hope he’ll never return!’”