We rambled for a while through the covered way, over the glacis and
along the counterscarp, and listened to the guide as he detailed to
us, in already accustomed words, how the siege had gone. Then we
got into the private apartments of the general, and, having
dexterously shaken off our attendant, wandered at large among the
deserted rooms.
"It is clear that no one ever comes here," said I.
"No," said the Rev. Augustus; "it seems not; and to tell the truth,
I don't know why any one should come. The chambers in themselves
are not attractive."
What he said was true. They were plain, ugly, square, unfurnished
rooms, here a big one, and there a little one, as is usual in most
houses;--unfurnished, that is, for the most part. In one place we
did find a table and a few chairs, in another a bedstead, and so on.
But to me it was pleasant to indulge in those ruminations which any
traces of the great or unfortunate create in softly sympathising
minds. For a time we communicated our thoughts to each other as we
roamed free as air through the apartments; and then I lingered for a
few moments behind, while Mr. Horne moved on with a quicker step.
At last I entered the bedchamber of the general, and there I
overtook my friend.
Pages:
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28