The despair in her voice, thought she
only pronounced in answer to him the simple words, 'There was one'--and
then ceased, unable to proceed--penetrated coldly to his heart.
'Is he not at hand?' he hurriedly resumed. 'Why is he not here? Let us
seek him without delay. I must humble myself before him in my
gratitude. I must show him that I was worthy that my Antonina should be
restored.'
'He is dead!' she gasped, sinking down in the arms that embraced her, as
the recollections of the past night again crowded in all their horror on
her memory. 'They murdered him by my side. O father! father! he loved
me; he would have reverenced and protected you!'
'May the merciful God receive him among the blessed angels, and honour
him among the holy martyrs!' cried the father, raising his tearful eyes
in supplication. 'May his spirit, if it can still be observant of the
things of earth, know that his name shall be written on my heart with
the name of my child; that I will think on him as on a beloved
companion, and mourn for him as a son that has been taken from me!'
He ceased, and looked down on Antonina, whose features were still hidden
from him.
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