entioned the subject to Sabina, and it seemed that
the thought of our approaching separation had been by her also forgotten
in our mutual love. The moment I hinted at the possibility of parting,
she turned as pale as death; I saw the crystal tear steal down her
beautiful cheek; she trembled; and at last swooned away. It was then the
dark fiend again urged me on, and I promised, in the moment of grief and
excitement, that I would desert, and follow her wherever she might go.
Her sweet eye beamed ineffable pleasure; she seized my hand; kissed it a
hundred times; and she said, in a most pathetic manner, "Will you really
return with me to my home?" I declared I would, whatever might be the
result. She said, "Swear it, and I shall live; deny me, and I shall
die." The concluding part of this appeal was urged with such a searching
anguish, that it drew from me a solemn promise of desertion. This
resolution was communicated to her family; and one and all urged me to
go, or rather return with them to their homes--pointing out the
happiness I should enjoy with their beautiful sister. These were
arguments too cogent to be resisted, and I again promised to return with
them. Scarcely had the fatal promise been repeated, when the
recollection of my native country, my home, my country's glory, my
regiment, and the disgrace attaching to the committal of so bad a crime,
all rushed in quick succession upon my bewildered mind. I thought--I
paused; but a single glance from the eye of my beloved Sabina plainly
told me that the first whisper of love would suffice to confirm me in my
fatal resolution.

We were now within sight of Cape Town; and here again my feelings,
distressed at the thought of deserting, goaded me beyond description. I
sometimes gave up the idea, and resolved to fly from temptation, and
seek protection with my regiment; but the melodious voice of Sabina
calling me by name, would at once dissipate my better resolutions, until
I at last abandoned all idea of the possibility of parting. I contented
myself with praying most devoutly that the regiment might have sailed
ere I arrived, which would have saved me from the stigma of desertion.
In the event of the regiment being still at Cape Town, I had sworn to my
betrothed and her family to return to them: thus we parted. My arrival
was hailed by my comrades with delight, as they feared I had been
murdered by the Caffres; and I received every kind of congratulation,
and several ve