various improvements had been made in his
absence, and what was wanting to the establishment in extent, was
compensated by its internal comforts and conveniences. Edward,
accustomed by his more active habits of life to take decided steps,
determined to execute a project which he had had sufficient time to
think over. First of all, he invited the Major to come to him. This
pleasure in meeting again was very great to both of them. The
friendships of boyhood, like relationship of blood, possess this
important advantage, that mistakes and misunderstandings never produce
irreparable injury; and the old regard after a time will always
reestablish itself.

Edward began with inquiring about the situation of his friend, and
learnt that fortune had favored him exactly as he most could have
wished. He then half-seriously asked whether there was not something
going forward about a marriage; to which he received a most decided and
positive denial.

"I cannot and will not have any reserve with you," he proceeded. "I will
tell you at once what my own feelings are, and what I intend to do. You
know my passion for Ottilie; you must long have comprehended that it was
this which drove me into the campaign. I do not deny that I desire to be
rid of a life which, without her, would be of no further value to me. At
the same time, however, I acknowledge that I could never bring myself
utterly to despair. The prospect of happiness with her was so beautiful,
so infinitely charming, that it was not possible for me entirely to
renounce it. Feelings, too, which I cannot explain, and a number of
happy omens, have combined to strengthen me in the belief, in the
assurance, that Ottilie will one day be mine. The glass with our
initials cut upon it, which was thrown into the air when the
foundation-stone was laid, did not go to pieces; it was caught, and I
have it again in my possession. After many miserable hours of
uncertainty, spent in this place, I said to myself, 'I will put myself
in the place of this glass, and it shall be an omen whether our union be
possible or not. I will go; I will seek for death; not like a madman,
but like a man who still hopes that he may live. Ottilie shall be the
prize for which I fight. Ottilie shall be behind the ranks of the enemy;
in every intrenchment, in every beleaguered fortress, I shall hope to
find her, and to win her. I will do wonders, with the wish to survive
them; with the hope to gain Ottilie, not to los