, save
what all others know; I am neither defender nor apologist--too humble
and too weak for either. I would but utter one cry for mercy on a memory
that still is dearly cherished by the poor who dwelt around her, and by
whom she is yet beloved.

Whatever were Sir Gordon's thoughts, it was clear the few efforts
he made to converse were not in accordance with them. The rumours of
disturbance in Switzerland--the increasing watchfulness on the Lombard
frontier--the growing feeling of uncertainty where and how far this new
discord might extend--these he spoke of, but rather as it seemed to mask
other themes, than because they were uppermost in his mind.

"We must think of leaving this," said he, after a brief pause. "'Where
to?' is the question. How would Genoa agree with _you?_"

"With _me!_ Let there be no question of _me_."

"Nay, but there must," said he, eagerly. "Remember, first of all, that
we are now independent of Climate, at least of all that this side of the
Alps possesses; and, secondly, bethink you that _you_ are the pilot that
weathered the storm for us."

"Happily, then," said I, laughing, or endeavouring to laugh, "I may
sing,--

'The waves are laid, My duties paid.'
I must seek out some harbour of refuge and be at rest.'"

"But with us, Templeton--always with us," said the old man,
affectionately.

"Upon one condition, Sir Gordon--short of that I refuse."

I fear me, that in my anxiety to subdue a rising emotion I threw into
these words an accent of almost stern and obstinate resolution; for as
he replied, "Name your condition," his own voice assumed a tone of cold
reserve.

It was full a minute before I could resume; not only was the subject one
that I dreaded to approach from fear of failure, but I felt that I had
already endangered my chance of success by the inopportune moment of its
introduction. Retreat was out of the question, and I went on. As much to
give myself time for a little forethought, as to provide myself with a
certain impulse for the coming effort, as leapers take a run before they
spring, I threw out a hasty sketch of the late events of my life before
leaving England, and the reasons that induced me to come abroad. "I knew
well," said I, "better far than all the skill of physicians could teach,
that no chance of recovery remained for me; Science had done its utmost:
the machine had, however, been wound up for the last time--its wheels
and springs would bear no more.