After an interview, in which
Martindale promises the colonel his assistance, the latter was rising to
take leave, when his eye was arrested by a print which Mr. Martindale
held in his hand, and which he had unrolled while he was talking. As
soon as the colonel saw the picture, he recognised the scene which it
represented, and uttered an ejaculation, indicative of surprise and
pleasure. Mr. Martindale then, for the first time, observed the print,
and noticed its subject; he also looked upon it with surprise, but not
with pleasure; and then he asked the stranger if that scene were
familiar to him, with very great emotion the colonel replied:--"That
scene brings to my recollection the happiest day of my life."
For a few seconds the party were totally silent; for the clergyman and
the foreigner were struck dumb with astonishment at the altered looks of
the old gentleman, and were surprised to see him crushing the picture
in both hands. He then, as if with an effort of great resolution,
exclaimed:--"And it brings to my recollection the most miserable day
of my life."
* * * * *
The agitation of the old gentleman abated, and he replied: "I thank you
for your kindness, sir, but my sorrow arises from self-reproach.
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