s as though touched by the sword or ennobled by the star of
his sovereign. The courtier-like attitude of men, in the presence of
a very beautiful woman, is a spectacle full of interest. In the homage
vouchsafed to mere rank there enters always a sense of humiliation,
and in the observances of respect men tender to royalty, the idea of
vassalage presents itself most prominently; whereas in the other case,
the chivalrous devotion is not alloyed by this meaner servitude, and men
never lift their heads more haughtily than after they have bowed them in
lowly deference to loveliness."

A thick, short snort from Harcourt here startled the speaker, who,
inspired by the sounds of his own voice and the flowing periods he
uttered, had fallen into one of those paroxysms of loquacity which now
and then befell him. That his audience should have thought him tiresome
or prosy, would, indeed, have seemed to him something strange; but that
his hearer should have gone off asleep, was almost incredible.

"It is quite true," said Upton to himself; "he snores 'like a warrior
taking his rest.' What wonderful gifts some fellows are endowed with!
and, to enjoy life, there is none of them all like dulness. Can you show
me to my room?" said he, as Craggs answered his ring at the bell.

The Corporal bowed an assent.

"The Colonel usually retires early, I suppose?" said Upton.

"Yes, sir; at ten to a minute."

"Ah! it is one--nearly half-past one--now, I perceive," said he, looking
at his watch. "That accounts for his drowsiness," muttered he, between
his teeth. "Curious vegetables are these old campaigners. Wish him good
night for me when he awakes, will you?"

And so saying, he proceeded on his way, with all that lassitude and
exhaustion which it was his custom to throw into every act which
demanded the slightest exertion.

"Any more stairs to mount, Mr. Craggs?" said he, with a bland but sickly
smile.

"Yes, sir; two flights more."

"Oh, dear! couldn't you have disposed of me on the lower floor?--I don't
care where or how, but something that requires no climbing. It matters
little, however, for I'm only here for a day."

"We could fit up a small room, sir, off the library."

"Do so, then. A most humane thought; for if I _should_ remain another
night--Not at it yet?" cried he, peevishly, at the aspect of an almost
perpendicular stair before him.

"This is the last flight, sir; and you'll have a splendid view for your
trouble, when