scious rise. I scarcely heard the Count's question, yet the dubious shake of his head did not escape my notice.
"You don't hear me, dear Carlos!" he resumed. "I fear you are not well?"
"Indeed, I believe you are right," I replied mechanically; "for I feel something here," pointing to the left side.
The Count laughed at that gesture, assumed a cheerful air, and said, "So much the worse, Carlos; for hurts on that side are generally incurable." He expected I should fall in with his merry humour; yet I was entirely mute, and he resumed again:
"Tell me, for Heaven's sake, Marquis, what is the matter with you. You are entirely changed; or do you think that I have not seen the tears which you attempted to disguise by laughing, nor that I have perceived that you did not squeeze my hand when I offered it to you so cordially?"
"Don't
