`` You were in the late revolution , perhaps ? '' asked the major , giving the unhappy outbreak the most respectful name he could use . `` From beginning to end . '' `` Oh , tell us about it ; we felt much sympathy for you , and longed to have you win , '' cried Amy , with such genuine interest and pity in her tone , it was impossible to resist . Pressing both hands upon his breast , the young man bent low , with a flush of feeling on his pale cheek , and answered eagerly , -- `` Ah , you are kind ; it is balm to my sore heart to hear words like these . I thank you , and tell you what you will . It is but little that I do , yet I give my life , and die a long death , instead of a quick , brave one with my comrades . '' `` You are young to have borne a part in a revolution , sir , '' said the major , who pricked up his ears like an old war-horse at the sound of battle . `` My friends and myself left the University at Varsovie , as volunteers ; we did our part , and now all lie in their graves but three . '' `` You were wounded , it seems ? '' `` Many times . Exposure , privation , and sorrow will finish what the Russian bullets began . But it is well . I have no wish to see my country enslaved , and I can no longer help her . '' `` Let us hope that a happier future waits for you both . Poland loves liberty too well , and has suffered too much for it , to be kept long in captivity . '' Helen spoke warmly , and the young man listened with a brightening face . `` It is a kind prophecy ; I accept it , and take courage . God knows I need it , '' he added , low to himself . `` Are you bound for Italy ? ''
XXXXX the major , in a most un-English fit of curiosity .
added brave die finish knows listened said spoke take wounded