"Not yet," said Charles, firmly. "I will go to them, but they must not see you till I can tell them that you are more calm. Compose yourself, and remember that the best comfort you can give them is to see you tranquil. I will tell them that you have slept, and in a few minutes you shall see them; in the mean time compose yourself." Charles went down stairs, and the first meeting with Mr and Mrs Monteath was very painful. He was glad, however, to give them some comfort, and he spoke as cheerfully as he could of the night which his friend had passed. Presently he conducted them to their son's chamber, and left them at the door. Mr Everett enquired the particulars of the accident, and the extent of the injury, as far as Charles could judge of it. He shook his head, when he had heard the particulars, and said he feared there was no help for it, but that the leg must be amputated. "Thinking this would be necessary," he said, "I brought an assistant with me; and I am glad I did, for delay would be dangerous; and I suppose there is no surgeon near. Is your friend prepared for it?" "Perfectly," replied Charles: "and he thinks the sooner it is done, the better. How soon will it be, Sir?" "Directly, if it has to be done," replied Mr Everett, "but you know I have not seen him yet, and therefore cannot be sure that it will be necessary." Mr and Mrs Monteath came down presently, and told Mr Everett that their son wished to see him. Before he went, he told them that he should recommend their trying to get some rest. "Now that your son has seen you, he will sleep again," said he, "and I wish to remain alone with him for two or three hours. He will not rest if you are beside him, so you must trust him with me, and our young friend will bring you news of him from time to time." The father and mother were obliged to consent: they retired, and Charles took his station in the next room to his friend. In a few minutes Mr Everett's assistant came out of the chamber, and soon after returned with a servant, and there were signs of preparation which were sickening to poor Charles. He made a great effort to forget himself, however, and gently opening the chamber door, asked if he could be of use. "You can, Sir, if you think yourself able," replied Mr Everett. "I believe we may trust you, for you are aware of the importance of self-command just now. I advise you to take a glass of wine, and then go and speak to your friend, and we will call you when we want you." Charles did so. "Your mother has gone to lie down," he whispered; "by the time she wakes, we shall have comfort to give her, and you will be better able to see her." Monteath pressed his hand. "I am better than I was," said he; "stronger in mind, too. I do believe I dreaded seeing my mother more than any thing else."