not yet
risen, but the native servants who passed in and out, attending upon
him, and who took care to give me a wide berth, had informed him that
"Burra Sahib's" son was come, and he sent for me. His leg was very
painful and uncomfortable, and the surgeon had not yet made his
appearance. I arranged it as before, and he then dressed, and came out
to breakfast. I had said nothing before the servants, but as soon as he
was comfortable on the sofa, I took his hand, and kissed it, saying,
"Good morning, my dear father; I hope you do not repent of your kindness
to me yesterday."

"No, no; God bless you, boy. I've been thinking of you all night."

"All's right," thought I; "and I trust to be able to keep it so."

I shall pass over a fortnight, during which I was in constant attendance
upon my father. At times he would fly out in a most violent manner, but
I invariably kept my temper, and when it was all over, would laugh at
him, generally repeating and acting all which he had said and done
during his paroxysm. I found this rather dangerous ground at first, but
by degrees he became used to it, and it was wonderful how it acted as a
check upon him. He would not at first believe but that I exaggerated,
when the picture was held up to his view and he was again calm. My
father was not naturally a bad-tempered man, but having been living
among a servile race, and holding high command in the army, he had
gradually acquired a habit of authority and an impatience of
contradiction which was unbearable to all around. Those who were
high-spirited and sensitive shunned him; the servile and the base
continued with him for their own interests, but trembled at his wrath.
I had during this time narrated to my father the events of my life, and,
I am happy to say, had, by attention and kindness joined with firmness
and good temper, acquired a dominion over him. I had at his request
removed to the hotel, and lived with him altogether. His leg was
rapidly arriving to a state of convalescence, and he now talked of
taking a house and setting up his establishment in London. I had seen
but little of Mr Masterton during this time, as I had remained in-doors
in attendance upon the general. I had written once to Mr Cophagus,
stating how I was occupied, but saying nothing about our reconciliation.
One morning, Mr Masterton called upon us, and after a little
conversation with the general, he told me that he had persuaded Mr
Cophagus and hi