17/36 Found this gentleman wandering like a troubled spirit by the way-side, and pressed him into service. I shall make a gallant knight of him yet, My dear soul!" she cried, spying me out and rushing towards me, "I am so glad to see you here, escaped from the ruthless hands of the doctor. I never saw such a despot in my life, except _one_;" here she looked laughingly and defiantly at Ernest,--"he would out-Nero Nero himself, if he had the opportunity." "If I were the autocrat of Russia I would certainly exercise the right of banishment," he answered quietly. I had not seen him since our memorable interview in the academy, and his sallow face glowed with embarrassment. |