since the scene of renewed provocation that had taken place,
Capt Mirvan was only restrained from being the first to send
the challenge, by the wish of choosing his weapon, which if challenged
would of right be his privilege.
And Clifton--poor Clifton never so clung to life, as since
the moment that restored to him--all that gave it value.
While Rosa's life was in suspence--it was impossible for
him to expose Julia to such a blow as his death
would occasion. But his child was now out of all
danger--the fated moment was arrived--the challenge
was sent--was accepted--Notwithstanding the remonstrancesth
of the gentlemen who attended as seconds--Capt Mirvan
insisted on rifles. Such a choice decided the event of
the combat--They fired at the same moment and both
fell to rise no more.
Oh, who can paint the scene that followed when
unprepared for--unthinking of the event that had
taken place--Julia in entering the hall, as she
returned from a walk in the grounds, where she
had been to seek her husband,
saw his pale and lifeless body.
No one--no language can paint such scenes--such
feelings. Even the human frame cannot sustain them--
At this stunning sight--Julia was transformed to
a statue--for days she neither spoke or wept, and her
deep oppressive breathing was the only proof that she
yet lived. During these hours of unutterable grief,
D'aubigne watched beside his almost lifeless friend--
The amiable Mrs Brunel shared the sad tasks, and
supported him in a moment of trial--when his keen
sensibility might have proved too powerful for his
debilitated frame.
Many weeks elapsed, once Julia's mind
was sufficiently composed, to attend to the consolation
offered by her friends--But when she did attend,
how powerful were the motives offered by Mrs Brunel
EN