He had acquired his position in life
by indomitable perseverance and hopefulness, and those qualities
would not now fail him, in one of the most critical situations
through which he had ever passed. In spite of Faustina's warning
and, to some extent, in spite of his own better judgment, he
determined to face the old prince at once and to ask him boldly
for his daughter.
He had spoken confidently to Faustina of being married against the
will of her father, but when he thought over this alternative he
recollected a fact he had almost completely forgotten in
considering his matrimonial projects. He was a soldier and had
enlisted in the Zouaves for a term of years. It was true that by
using the influence he possessed he might hope to be released from
his engagement, but such a course was most repugnant to him.
Before Mentana it would have been wholly impossible, for it would
have seemed cowardly. Now that he had distinguished himself and
had been wounded in the cause, the thing might be done without
dishonour, but it would involve a species of self-abasement to
which he was not prepared to submit. On the other hand, to wait
until his term of service should have expired was to risk losing
Faustina altogether. He knew that she loved him, but he was
experienced enough to know that a young girl is not always able to
bear the pressure exercised upon her when marriage is concerned.
Pages:
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448