The visit was evidently an occasion of real happiness and _epanchement de coeur_ to the two old friends, and supplied Gibbon for nearly two years with tender regrets and recollections.

Then, without any warning, he heard of Lady Sheffield's death.

In a moment his mind was made up: he would go at once to console his friend.

All the fatigue and irksomeness of the journey to one so ailing and feeble, all the dangers of the road lined and perhaps barred by hostile armies, vanished on the spot.

Within twelve days he had made his preparations and started on his journey.
He was forced to travel through Germany, and in his ignorance of the language he required an interpreter; young de Severy, the son of his deceased friend, joyfully, and out of mere affection for him, undertook the office of courier.