Military life in Italy : sketches - Societa italiana di storia militare

MILITARY LIFE.
The father made a sudden effort to sit upright, but the son
prevented him.
" No, father," he then said with much sweetness ;
" do not
move ;
it
might make you ill ; you
know the doctor has forbidden
you to get up lie
; down, father, and keep quiet."
And he put the arm that was out under the coverlid. The
old man's eyes gleamed and he began to breathe heavily.
Shortly after, without looking his son in the face, he murmured
in a trembling voice :
" And this captain
. . . ? "
" He was his captain."
This reply had been expected.
" He has come here on purpose to see you."
The father was silent for a moment, then shook his head,
pressed his lips together, and covered his eyes with one hand.
"
Father," said the young fellow affectionately, as he kissed
him on the forehead, " be brave ;
the captain has come to
bring you some comfort, and he will give it you, I am sure.
Don't do so, come " (and he tried to draw his hand from his
" "
eyes) ; be brave, father !
" Call him."
" "
Immediately
?
"Yes, instantly."
"Well, then . . . shall I go?"
" "
Go !
"Yes, I '11 go but be
; brave, father ;
the captain will bring
you comfort ; you will see."
So he left the room quickly. The father followed him with
his eyes and fixed them on the door. He heard a short whisper,
the noise of a sword ..." Here is the captain." As