“Excuse me,” said Hirst, rising from his chair directly he had sat down. He went into the drawing–room, and returned with a cushion which he placed carefully upon his seat.

* "Destrier"---war-horse.

After a short delay, he reappeared, and limping back again, halted midway, and beckoned Nicholas to follow him.

His face again resumed its former stiff and cold expression. But the princess had caught a glimpse of the man she had known and loved, and it was to him that she now spoke.