Even the general, secretly relieved, was punctiliously regretful on the surface. "We shall soon see our gentleman back again," he observed in his best manner, "and I hope we shall often have nice long visits from you both in time to come, my dear;" addressing his bereaved daughter in accents of gracious consolation. "For myself I can never see Paul too often. But, hum--ha, no doubt at present he has done the right thing in attending to business before pleasure. Has he got any more houses in view?" This was a subject on which he would always dilate, and it was discussed at all points as the meal proceeded. The general was unusually cheerful, as all remembered afterwards, and it was not till dessert was on the table that his spirits suddenly flagged. No, he did not want any wine; he was pettish when it was remarked that his glass was empty. Were they going to sit on forever? Well, then, why did no one rise? He would lead the way himself. "I don't care to stay behind when I have no one to talk to," he pushed back his chair, but not far enough. "Give me an arm, one of you. Steady there--you needn't haul me along. Stop, I tell you." It was Leo's arm he held--she was the nearest to him--and he leaned upon it heavily. He also breathed heavily. When she tried to draw him forward he tottered. His daughters looked at one another. "Let me get you something, father?" said Sue, moving towards the sideboard;--"a little brandy?"--and with a tremulous hand she poured it out, and held it to his lips. At the same time she gently withdrew Leo's arm, substituting her own, and Leo made no resistance. Their father looked them dazed--but the brandy momentarily revived him. "I--suppose I go to bed, eh? I'm tired--that's what's the matter with me. Isn't that what's the matter with me, Sue? I'm tired--tired,"--his head sank upon his breast. "Tired--tired!" he muttered. "Do not lose a moment, Maud;" said Sue, aside. "Let me go;" said Leo, darting forward. She was nimbler of foot than Maud--but Maud went also. "Hey, what? Where are they all off to?" With an effort General Boldero straightened himself and made a pitiful effort to compose a face already distorted. "Where--are they going?"--the next minute he fell in a heap upon the floor. And by the time Dr. Craig, imperatively summoned, dashed through the doorway which stood open awaiting him, all need of his presence was at an end. "It could not have been averted, my dear Miss Sue;" in moments such as this the doctor invariably said "Miss Sue". "I have had my eye on your--your poor father for a while back. I kind of opined he was breaking. But it must have been a terrible shock for you all;"--and he shook a sympathetic head to and fro. "Oh, Dr. Craig!" "Aye, aye!" He patted her shoulder. "Aye, aye!" "We were so unprepared."