She was
sitting with her head upon her hands, and the tears were still
streaming from her eyes.
'All merciful heaven, it is Aster!' and looking up, the poor girl
saw her lover. She had only power to rise and throw herself into his
arms, when she swooned there.
'Water, quick,' and he stretched her upon a lounge and dashed
several handfuls upon her beloved face. She speedily revived, and
opening her glorious eyes looked again upon her lover. But she seemed
unable to realize it She believed indeed that her reason had forsaken
her or that it was all a dream.
'Is it you, Roland,' she exclaimed, taking his hand. 'Where is this,
and what are you doing here.'
'This, Aster, my love,' he replied, 'is a robbers' den. This is the
head-quarters of the miscreants of Markham Swamp. On the day of the
duel I was captured and brought hither, and watch has since been kept
upon me. I resolved many timed to leave and endeavour to reach the
United States, till the feeling over my crime had subsided.'
'What do you mean?' Aster enquired, laying her hand with its crooked
little finger upon his.
'The duel, of course.
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