"For if this false accusation, whatever it is, be proved against me, then none shall blush for my dishonour or sorrow for my fall. Fools may laugh and the wicked may jeer, but the death volley will close up my ears for ever. It may do more," he added, in a broken voice; "it may be the means of revealing to me who was my mother, who my father, with the great secret of eternity after all; so, my dear Askerne, I am, you see, reckless of the future." "Damme, Quentin, this will never do----" Monkton was beginning, when Askerne spoke. "In this mingled mood of sullenness and resignation you will destroy all chance of defeating the machinations of your enemy, for such I--I--consider our colonel to be," said the captain of grenadiers, after a pause. "Buckle and I will prepare your declaration for to-morrow, and it shall be sent to you for revision and emendation soon after reveille; but you must take courage--I insist upon it, for your own sake!" "I do not lack it!" replied Quentin, firmly. "By courage, I do not mean an indifference that is the result of misanthropy, or a boldness that is gathered from despair. At your years, Quentin, either were unnatural," said Askerne, kindly. "My brave lad," said Monkton, putting an arm round him as an elder brother might have done, "have you really no fear of--of death?" "To say that I have not," replied Quentin, with quivering lip, "would be to state that which is false; but I know death to be the ordinance of God--the fate of all mankind. It is but the end of the course of time--welcome only to such as are weary of their lives. I am not weary of mine, therefore I would indeed find it hard to die. I have always known that I must die, but never considered where or how--how near or how distant the day of doom might be; but I do shrink with horror at the contemplation of dying with a disgrace upon me--a stigma which, though I am innocent, time may never remove." "I fear that we are but poor comforters, and that you are taking the very blackest view of matters," said Askerne; "but be advised by me, and take courage--a resolute and modest bearing always wins respect. In the court to-morrow are friends who will not see you wronged, for every member there is alike a judge and a juryman. Put your trust in Heaven and in your own innocence; sleep well if you can----" "And be sure to take something by way of breakfast--a broiled bone and a glass of Valdepenas--you have a long and anxious day before you." "And so, till we meet again, good night--God bless you, my hearty!" They shook him warmly by the hand, and retired.