All at once we heard a great outcry.

We ran in and saw my poor master lying senseless on the ground, his face purple and distorted." "He must have had a fit of apoplexy." "Not exactly; the doctor called it a rush of blood to the brain; at least, I think that is what he said, and he added that the reason he did not die on the spot was because in falling he had cut open his head against the oaken sideboard, and the wound bled profusely.

We carried him up to his bed; he showed no signs of life, and now----" "Well, how is he now ?" "No one dare give an opinion; my poor master is quite unconscious, and should he recover--and I do not think for a moment that he will--the doctor says his mind will have entirely gone." "Horrible! Too horrible! And a man of such intellectual power, too.

I shall not ask you to let me look at him, for I could do no good, and the sight would upset me.

But can I not see M.Norbert ?" "Pray, do not attempt to do so, sir." "I was his father's intimate friend, and if the condolences of such a one could assuage the affliction under which--" "Impossible!" answered the man in a quick, eager manner.