He then hastily swallowed a piece of mince-pie, and a slice or two of cake, when, the night air beginning to feel chilly, he hurried back to bed.

This last operation was by no means so easy as he had imagined it would be.

His knees were very weak and "shaky," and it seemed as though they could not support him, when he undertook to go up stairs.

He was alarmed, and would have given up the attempt, and called for help, but for the dread of being caught in such a flagrant act of disobedience.

So he persisted in his efforts, and finally reached his chamber, quite exhausted.
After a heavy and troubled sleep, Oscar awoke in the morning, feeling quite wretchedly.