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

THE ORDERLY. 1
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" " Lieutenant ! exclaimed the soldier in a trembling voice,
taking a step toward him.
" Go, go, or you will be too late ; go, it 's late already
hurry."
And he stretched out his hand the soldier pressed it
warmly.
" A pleasant journey to you, and remember me. Remember
your officer sometimes."
The poor fellow wished to reply ;
tried to utter a word, and
gave a groan ; pressed the hand once more, turned, looked at
the door, glanced again at the officer who continued to keep
his head turned away, took a long step forward. " Ah, lieutenant
! he exclaimed with a sob, and
"
fled.
The other left alone, looked around, remained for a short
time gazing at the door, then placed his elbows on the little
table, rested his head on his hands, and tears formed in the
corners of his eyes ;
shone there for a moment, and then
slipped quickly down his cheeks as if afraid of being seen.
He passed his hand over his eyes, looked at his cigar ; it had
gone out ; ah, this time they were real tears ;
he buried his
face on one arm and let them flow, for he felt the need of
them.