ir of
intense self-satisfaction at having at length devised a plan to act in
strict conformity with the orders received, and yet avoid all risk of
soiling the silken cushion; having laid the back on the ground, he
proceeded, after all manner of delicate arrangements, to take his seat
on the outer rails; but, unhappily, the Chourineur was entirely ignorant
of the laws of the lever and the equilibrium of bodies, the chair
overbalanced, and the luckless individual seated thereon, in
endeavouring to save himself from falling, by an involuntary movement
caught hold of a small stand, on which was a tray containing some
tea-things.

At the formidable noise caused by so many falling articles clattering
upon the head of the unfortunate cause of all this discord and havoc,
the doctor sprung from his seat, while Rodolph, awaking with a start,
raised himself on his elbow, looked about him with an anxious and
perturbed glance, then, passing his hand over his brows, as though
trying to arrange his ideas, he inquired:

"Where is Murphy?"

"Your royal highness need be under no apprehensions on his account,"
answered the negro, respectfully; "there is every hope of his recovery."

"Recovery! He is, then, wounded?"

"Unhappily, my lord, he is."

"Where is he? Let me see him!" And Rodolph endeavoured to rise, but fell
back again, overcome by weakness and the intense pain he felt from his
many and severe contusions. "Since I cannot walk," cried he, at length,
"let me be instantly carried to Murphy,--this moment!"

"My lord, he sleeps at present; it would be highly dangerous, at this
particular juncture, to expose him to the slightest agitation."

"You are deceiving me, and he is dead! He has been murdered! And I--I am
the wretched cause of it!" cried Rodolph, in a tone of agony, raising
his clasped hands towards heaven.

"My lord knows that his servant is incapable of a falsehood. I assert by
my honour, that, although severely wounded, Murphy lives, and that his
chance of recovery is all but certain."

"You say that but to prepare me for more disastrous tidings; he lies,
doubtless, wounded past all hope; and he, my faithful friend, will die!"

"My lord--"

"Yes, you are seeking to deceive me till all is over. But I will see
him,--I will judge for myself; the sight of a friend cannot be hurtful.
Let me be instantly removed to his chamber."

"Once more, my lord, I pledge my solemn assurance, that, barring chances
not likely