eless and stunned to the ground.

Without having received serious injury, I was too ill to be removed from
the little village of Naglos, where I was confined to bed for ten days.
The doctor remained with me for some days, and came again and again
to visit me afterwards. The chief care of me, however, devolved on my
father's valet, a smart young Swiss, whom I had difficulty in believing
not to be English, so perfectly did he speak our language.

I soon saw this fellow was thoroughly conversant with all my father's
history, and, whether in his confidence or not, knew everything that
concerned him, and understood his temperament and nature to perfection.
There was much adroitness in the way in which he showed me this,
without ever shocking my pride or offending my taste by any display of a
supposed influence. Of his consummate tact I need give but one,--a
very slight instance, it is true, but enough to denote the man. He, in
addressing me as Sir Digby, remarked how the sound of my newly acquired
title seemed to recall my father to my mind at once, and ever after
limited himself to saying simply "sir," which attracted no attention
from me.

Another instance of his address I must record also. I had got my
writing-desk on the bed, and was writing to my mother, to whom I had
already despatched two telegraphic messages, but as yet received no
reply. "I beg pardon, sir," said La Grange, entering in his usual
noiseless fashion; "but I thought you would like to know that my Lady
has left Schloss Hunyadi. She took her departure last night for Pesth."

"You mean--" I faltered, not really knowing what I. would say.

"Yes, sir," said he, thoroughly aware of what was passing in my mind.
"She admitted no one, not even the doctor, and started at last with only
a few words of adieu in writing for the Countess."

"What impression has this left? How are they speaking of her?" asked I,
blurting out against my will what was working within me.

"I believe, sir," said he, with a very faint smile, "they lay it all to
English ways and habits. At least I have heard no other comments than
such as would apply to these."

"Be sure that you give rise to no others," said I, sternly.

"Of course not, sir. It would be highly unbecoming in me to do so."

"And greatly to your disservice besides," added I, severely.

He bowed in acquiescence, and said no more.

"How long have you served my father, La Grange?" asked I.

"About two years, sir. I