dignity, brooded over the whole table with her two elbows, like a
spread eagle, and reposed her head upon her left arm as a
preliminary to the formation of certain cabalistic characters,
which required a deal of ink, and imaginary counterparts whereof
she executed at the same time with her tongue. Also, how, having
once tasted ink, she became thirsty in that regard, as tame tigers
are said to be after tasting another sort of fluid, and wanted to
sign everything, and put her name in all kinds of places. In
brief, the Doctor was discharged of his trust and all its
responsibilities; and Alfred, taking it on himself, was fairly
started on the journey of life.

'Britain!' said the Doctor. 'Run to the gate, and watch for the
coach. Time flies, Alfred.'

'Yes, sir, yes,' returned the young man, hurriedly. 'Dear Grace! a
moment! Marion - so young and beautiful, so winning and so much
admired, dear to my heart as nothing else in life is - remember! I
leave Marion to you!'

'She has always been a sacred charge to me, Alfred. She is doubly
so, now. I will be faithful to my trust, believe me.'

'I do believe it, Grace. I know it well. Who could look upon your
face, and hear your voice, and not know it! Ah, Grace! If I had
your well-governed heart, and tranquil mind, how bravely I would
leave this place to-day!'

'Would you?' she answered with a quiet smile.