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ROMANCE AND REALITY.

and far removed from us—in the other, it may be sudden and fall even on our own home. War, even in the distant battle of a foreign land, is terrible and sorrowful enough; but what is the agony of bloodshed in the far warfare to that poured at our own doors, and quenching the fire of our own hearth!

Edward paced the room mournfully: he gazed on the slight remains of taste which had turned wealth to beauty. But the most touching part of all, was to mark the effort that had been made to restore something of comfort and appearance. He thought of the beautiful face he had seen for a moment—it looked very young to have known much of suffering. The door of the room opened, and the negro appeared, bringing in supper; and the little table was soon spread. There was a flask of light wine, a melon, some bread, and fried fish. And with all the volubility of his race, Cæsar explained, that the ladies sent their excuses, and that to-morrow they hoped to make him personally welcome.

A solitary supper is soon despatched. The negro then showed Lorraine to his sleeping-room, almost deafening him with apologies. It is a good sign when servants take the credit