He held out his hand with almost a bashful air. Swiftly I thought--Yes, I

will witness the last scene of the drama. Beside which, his mien conquered

me, and an affectionate sentiment towards him, again filled my heart--I

bade him command me. "Aye, that I will," said he gaily, "that's my cue now;

be with me to-morrow morning by seven; be secret and faithful; and you

shall be groom of the stole ere long."

So saying, he hastened away, vaulted on his horse, and with a gesture as if

he gave me his hand to kiss, bade me another laughing adieu. Left to

myself, I strove with painful intensity to divine the motive of his request

and foresee the events of the coming day. The hours passed on unperceived;

my head ached with thought, the nerves seemed teeming with the over full

fraught--I clasped my burning brow, as if my fevered hand could medicine

its pain. I was punctual to the appointed hour on the following day, and

found Lord Raymond waiting for me. We got into his carriage, and proceeded

towards Windsor. I had tutored myself, and was resolved by no outward sign

to disclose my internal agitation.

What a mistake Ryland made," said Raymond, "when he thought to overpower

me the other night. He spoke well, very well; such an harangue would have

succeeded better addressed to me singly, than to the fools and knaves

assembled yonder. Had I been alone, I should have listened to him with a

wish to hear reason, but when he endeavoured to vanquish me in my own

territory, with my own weapons, he put me on my mettle, and the event was

such as all might have expected."

The Last Man