The adjutant, having obeyed this instruction, approached Prince Andrew. From the other side a battalion commander rode up.

"Ascend yonder winding stair," said De Bracy; "it leads to his apartment---Wilt thou not accept my guidance?" he added, in a submissive voice.

The countess` eyes filled with tears and she pondered in silence.

‘Young men,’ said Mr Cheeryble, ‘shake hands!’

‘Zooks! what a fire–eater you are, Johnson!’ returned Mr Folair, pulling up the heel of his dancing shoe. ‘I’m only talking of the natural curiosity of the people here, to know what he has been about all his life.’