After that parting.—Pythias.
For some hours, Hayward and his sister were permitted to remain alone. Night was fast approaching. Nothing was heard without, but the coarse laugh and jests of the soldiers. As Hayward held his sister in his arms, he murmured:
"Would to God she could ever remain unconscious, or die to-night. I feel that a fate far worse than death awaits her, when I am gone, and to-morrow will surely be the fatal day. Oh, may God in his mercy protect this darling one!"
"Have I been dreaming?" she sobbed, as she returned to consciousness, and opened her eyes. "I saw my brother in chains, and I heard their dreadful clankings upon the floor."
Her eyes met those of her brother, and with a shudder, she buried her face in his breast, as if she would shut out some terrible vision.
"Mamie—darling sister, don't you know me?" asked Hayward.
"Oh! yes," she cried, starting up. "It is my brother. He is with me, and I am safe and happy. O brother, I met such rude men here, I cannot remain. Let us go at once." She started toward the door.
"Come back, sister, I wish to talk with you, and I wish you to listen calmly."
"Calmly! What do you mean by that word? Ah! those chains! I have not been dreaming! It is a terrible reality. What means this, brother?"
"Come here, Mamie, come close to my heart, and let me talk with you."