54 DREAM-LIFE.
down the tree and do it willingly : as it is, you cannot let him triumph : so you advance cautiously out upon the limb : it bends and sways fearfully with your weight : presently it cracks : you try to return, but it is too late : you feel yourself going : your mind flashes home over your life your hope your fate, like lightning : then comes a sense of dizziness, a succession of quick blows, and a dull, heavy crash !
You are conscious of nothing again, until you find yourself in the great hall of the school, covered with blood, the old Doctor standing over you with a phial, and Frank kneeling by you, and holding your shattered arm, which has been broken by the fall.
After this, come those long, weary days of confinement, when you lie still, through all the hours of noon, looking out upon the cheerful sunshine, only through the windows of your little room. Yet it seems a grand thing to have the whole household attendant upon you. The doors are opened and shut softly, and they all step noiselessly about your chamber ; and when you groan with pain, you are sure of meeting sad, sympathizing looks. Your mother will step gently to your side and lay her cool, white hand upon your forehead ; and little Nelly will gaze at you from the foot of your bed with a sad earnestness, and with tears of
