I dared to express a faint hope
that Mrs. Keats had not been fatigued by the day's Journey.

She looked at me for a second or two before replying, and then said:
"I am really not aware, sir, that I have manifested any such signs of
weariness as would warrant your inquiry. If I should have, however--"

"Oh, I beg you will pardon me, madam," broke I in, apologetically;
"my question was not meant for more than a mere ordinary politeness, a
matter-of-course expression of my solicitude."

"It will save us both some trouble in future, sir, if I re-mark that I
am no friend to matter-of-course civilities, and never reply to them."

I felt as though my head and face had been passed across the open door
of a blast furnace. I was in a perfect flame, and dared not raise my eye
from my plate.

"The waiter is asking if you will take coffee, sir," said the inexorable
old lady to me, as I sat almost stunned and stupid.

"Yes--with brandy--a full glass of brandy in it," cried I, in the
half-despair of one who knew not how to rally himself.

"I think we may retire, Miss H.," said Mrs. Keats, rising with a severe
dignity that seemed to say, "We are not bound to assist at an orgy." And
with a stern stare and a defiant little bow she moved towards the door.
I was so awestruck that I never moved from my place, but stood resting
my hand on my chair, till she said, "Do you mean to open the door, sir,
or am I to do it for myself?"

I sprang forward at once, and flung it wide, my face all scarlet with
shame.

She passed out, and Miss Herbert followed her. Her dress, however,
catching in the doorway, she turned back to extricate it; I seized the
moment to stoop down and say, "Do let me see you for one moment this
evening,--only one moment."

She shook her head in silent negative, and went away.

I sat down at the table, and filled myself a large goblet of wine; I
drank it off, and replenished it It was only this morning, a few brief
hours ago, and I would not have changed fortunes with the Emperor of
France. Life seemed to open before me like some beautiful alley in a
garden, with a glorious vista in the distance. I would not have bartered
the place in that cabriolet for the proudest throne in Europe. _She_ was
there beside me, listening in rapt attention, as I discoursed voyages,
travels, memoirs, poetry, and personal adventures. With every changeful
expression of lovely sympathy did she follow me through all. I was a
hero to us bot