The major took one look , shrugged his shoulders , and returned to his book . Presently a hollow cough gave Helen a pretext for discovering the nationality of the newcomer . `` Do the open windows inconvenience you , sir ? '' she asked , in English . No answer ; the question evidently unintelligible . She repeated it in French , lightly touching his cloak to arrest his attention . Instantly a smile broke over the handsome mouth , and in the purest French he assured her that the fresh air was most agreeable , and begged pardon for annoying them with his troublesome cough . `` Not an invalid , I hope , sir ? '' said the major , in his bluff yet kindly voice . `` They tell me I can have no other fate ; that my malady is fatal ; but I still hope and fight for my life ; it is all I have to give my country now . '' A stifled sigh and a sad emphasis on the last word roused the sympathy of the girls , the interest of the major . He took another survey , and said , with a tone of satisfaction , as he marked the martial carriage of the young man , and caught a fiery glance of the half-hidden eyes , -- `` You are a soldier , sir ? '' `` I was ; I am nothing now but an exile , for Poland is in chains . '' The words `` Poland '' and `` exile '' brought up all the pathetic stories of that unhappy country which the three listeners had ever heard , and won their interest at once . `` 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 XXXXX my life , and die a long death , instead of a quick , brave one with my comrades . ''
Pressing gave give giving marked repeated roused sir tell won