o be what the French call _bon prince_, and
yet I didn't know how to set about it. I could not take off one of my
decorations,--a cross or a ribbon,--for I had none; nor give it, because
she, being a woman, could n't wear it. I could n't make her one of the
court ladies, for there was no court; and yet it was clear something
should be done, if one only knew what it was. "I suppose now," said I to
myself, "a real R. H. would see his way here at once; the right thing to
do, the exact expression to use would occur as naturally to his mind
as all this embarrassment presents itself to mine. 'Whenever your head
cannot guide you,' says a Spanish proverb, 'ask your heart;' and so I
did, and my heart spoke thus: 'Tell her, Potts, who you are, and what;
say to her, "Listen, young lady, to the words of truth from one who
could tell you far more glibly, far more freely, and far more willingly,
a whole bushel of lies. It will sit light on his heart that he deceive
the old lady inside, but _you_ he cannot, will not deceive. Do not
deem the sacrifice a light one; it cost St. George far less to go out
dragon-hunting than it costs me to slay this small monster who ever
prompts me to feats of fancy."'"

"I am very sorry to be troublesome, sir, but as we change horses here, I
will ask you to assist me to alight; the weather looks very threatening,
and some drops of rain have already fallen."

These words roused me from my revery to action, and I got down, not very
dexterously either, for I slipped, and made the postilion laugh,
and then I helped her, who accomplished the descent so neatly, so
gracefully, showing the least portion of such an ankle, and accidentally
giving me such a squeeze of the hand! The next moment she was lost to
me, the clanking steps were drawn up, the harsh door banged to, and I
was alone,--all alone in the world.

Like a sulky eagle, sick of the world, I climbed up to my eyry. I
no longer wished for sunshine or scenery; nay, I was glad to see the
postboys put on their overcoats and prepare for a regular down-pour. I
liked to think there are some worse off than even Potts. In half an hour
_they_ will be drenched to the skin, and I 'll not feel a drop of it!

The little glass slide at my back was now withdrawn, and Miss Herbert's
pale, sweet face appeared at it. She was saying that Mrs. Keats urgently
entreated I would come inside, that she was so uneasy at my being
exposed to such a storm.

I refused, and was a