That weighs upon me. I a promise made,
And I would keep it. Death may be at hand.”[6]
“Speak, then,” Irene said “and ease your soul.”
“The war,---- oh, what an infamy is war!
It was last month, by Metz, ’twas my ill fate
To kill a Frenchman.” She turned pale, and lowered
The lamp-light to conceal it.[7] He continued:
“We were sent forward to surprise a cottage,
Strengthened and held by some of yours. We did
As hunters do when stalking game. The night