"I know all that," said Ellen in a tremulous voice. "My alarm is senseless; and yet this journey fills me with dread."
And stretching her arms towards me imploringly:
"Schanvoch, my beloved husband, do not depart; I conjure you—do not depart—"
"Ellen," I replied sadly, "for the first time in my life I am compelled to answer you with a refusal—"
"I beg you, stay near me!"
"I would sacrifice everything to you, my duty excepted. The mission with which I am charged by Victoria is important—I promised to fulfil it. I must keep my word."
"Well, then, go," answered my wife amid a paroxysm of sobs, "and let my fate come upon me; it is your will!"
"Sampso, what fate does she mean?"
"Alas! Since this morning my sister has been a prey to gloomy presentiments. She admitted them to be as unaccountable as I considered them myself, and yet she is unable to overcome them. She says she feels certain that she will never see you again—or that some grave peril threatens you during your journey."
"Ellen, my beloved wife," I said, clasping her to my heart, "need I tell you that, short as our separation may be, it is always hard for me to be away from you? Would you add to that sorrow, the even greater one of having to leave you in such a desolate state?"