ried,
out, 'That's exactly what I said would come of it. There 's hemorrhage
again.' And so we were turned out of the room, and the other doctors
were speedily summoned, and it was only an hour ago I heard that he was
going on favorably; but that in future a strict interdict should be put
upon all visits, and none admitted to him but his physicians. Seeing
this, there was no use deferring my departure, which would, besides,
place my commission in jeopardy. I have already outstayed my leave by
two mails.

"Caffarelli is to write to you about the villa, and take all your
directions about getting it in order for your arrival. He says that
there is only too much furniture; and as there are something like eighty
odd rooms,--it is called Palazzotto, a grand word for palace,--the
chances are that even you will have space enough for what you call 'to
turn round in.' I am in no dread of your being disappointed in it, and I
repeat once more, it is the most exquisitely beautiful spot I ever saw.
I would rather own it than its larger brother, the great kingly palace
on the opposite side of the bay.

"I left my card at the Legation for your friend Mr. Darner, but he has
not returned my visit. I own I had no peculiar anxiety to know him.
Maitland could only say that he 'was not an ill-natured fellow, and
perhaps a shade smarter than his colleagues.'

"Caffarelli promises to keep you informed about, poor Maitland, of whom,
notwithstanding all the doctors say, I do not augur too favorably. On
every account, whether you really avail yourself of it or not, do not
refuse his offer of the villa; it would give him the deepest pain and
mortification, knowing how I had fixed upon it before I heard of his
being the owner. I am very sorry to leave him, and sorrier that I have
not heard what he was so eager to tell me. I shall be very impatient
till I hear from you, and know whether you concur in my conjecture or
not.

"The King sent twice to-day to inquire after M., and has already
announced his intention to come in person, so soon as the doctors deem
such a visit safe. To see the names that were left to-day with the
porter you would say it was one of the first men in Europe was causing
all this public anxiety.

"I trust, my dear Alice, you will be satisfied with this long-winded
epistle,--the last probably you will get from me till I reach Calcutta.
I had intended to have given you all the gossip of this pleasant place,
which, even on t