en home
on a door, and surgical assistance immediately sent for.

"You appear to understand these things, sir," said Mr Cotgrave. "Tell
me, is there any danger?"

"He must suffer amputation," replied I, in a low voice, so that Harcourt
could not hear me. "Pray watch the tourniquet carefully as he is taken
home, for should it slip it will be fatal."

I then bowed to Mr Cotgrave, and, followed by Captain Atkinson, stepped
into the hackney-coach and drove home. "I will leave you now, Newland,"
said Captain Atkinson; "it is necessary that I talk this matter over,
so that it is properly explained."

I thanked Captain Atkinson for his services, and was left alone; for I
had sent Timothy to ascertain if Harcourt had arrived safe at his
lodgings. Never did I feel more miserable; my anxiety for Harcourt was
indescribable; true, he had not treated me well, but I thought of his
venerable father, who pressed my hand so warmly when I left his
hospitable roof--of his lovely sisters, and the kindness and affection
which they had shown towards me, and our extreme intimacy. I thought
of the pain which the intelligence would give them, and their
indignation towards me, when their brother first made his appearance
at his father's house, mutilated; and were he to die--good God! I was
maddened at the idea. I had now undone the little good I had been able
to do. If I had made Fleta and her mother happy, had I not plunged
another family into misery?

Chapter LIV

This is a strange world; I am cut by a man of no character,
because he is fearful that I should injure his character.

Timothy returned, and brought me consolation--the bleeding had not
re-commenced, and Harcourt was in tolerable spirits. An eminent surgeon
had been sent for. "Go again, my dear Timothy, and as you are intimate
with Harcourt's servant, you will be able to find out what they are
about."

Timothy departed, and was absent about an hour, during which I lay on
the sofa, and groaned with anguish. When he returned, I knew by his
face that his intelligence was favourable. "All's right," cried Timothy;
"no amputation after all. It was only one of the smaller arteries which
was severed, and they have taken it up."

I sprang up from the sofa and embraced Timothy, so happy was I with the
intelligence, and then I sat down again, and cried like a child. At last
I became more composed. I had asked Captain Atkinson to dine with me,
and was very glad when