randson. There was
a little laughing, red-cheeked, white-headed gown-boy of the school,
to whom the old man had taken a great fancy. One of the symptoms of his
returning consciousness and recovery, as we hoped, was his calling for
this child, who pleased our friend by his archness and merry ways; and
who, to the old gentleman's unfailing delight, used to call him, "Codd
Colonel." "Tell little F----, that Codd Colonel wants to see him;" and
the little gown-boy was brought to him; and the Colonel would listen to
him for hours; and hear all about his lessons and his play; and prattle
almost as childishly about Dr. Raine, and his own early school-days. The
boys of the school, it must be said, had heard the noble old gentleman's
touching history, and had all got to know and love him. They came every
day to hear news of him; sent him in books and papers to amuse him; and
some benevolent young souls,--God's blessing on all honest boys, say
I,--painted theatrical characters, and sent them in to Codd Colonel's
grandson. The little fellow was made free of gown-boys, and once came
thence to his grandfather in a little gown, which delighted the old man
hugely. Boy said he would like to be a little gown-boy; and I make no
doubt, when he is old enough, his father will get him that post, and put
him under the tuition of my friend Dr. Senior.

So, weeks passed away, during which our dear old friend still remained
with us. His mind was gone at intervals, but would rally feebly; and
with his consciousness returned his love, his simplicity, his sweetness.
He would talk French with Madame de Florac, at which time, his memory
appeared to awaken with surprising vividness, his cheek flushed, and he
was a youth again,--a youth all love and hope,--a stricken old man, with
a beard as white as snow covering the noble careworn face. At such times
he called her by her Christian name of Leonore; he addressed courtly old
words of regard and kindness to the aged lady; anon he wandered in his
talk, and spoke to her as if they still were young. Now, as in those
early days, his heart was pure; no anger remained in it; no guile
tainted it; only peace and goodwill dwelt in it.

Rosa's death had seemed to shock him for a while when the unconscious
little boy spoke of it. Before that circumstance, Clive had even forbore
to wear mourning, lest the news should agitate his father. The Colonel
remained silent and was very much disturbed all that day, but he neve