70 A SMILE 



but Sir Astley's was no common smile. It was not that 

 of condescension — it was not that of a courtier ; neither 

 was it one of withering contempt or of specious designing 

 villany ; but it was one that lit up his fine and manly- 

 features with good-fellowship and benevolence. I fancied, 

 too, there was a mark of silent recognition in it when 

 he said, — 



" And pray what brings you here this morning ? " 

 I then related to him, as plainly and briefly as I could, 

 the nature of the accident, and explained to him my 

 symptoms and feelings. 



" Let me assist you off with your coat," said lie, 

 observing I could not raise my right arm. " Now your 

 waistcoat." Then, inserting his hand under my linen, he 

 passed his fingers down my spine. Without farther 

 consideration, he then said, " Every ligament of your 

 backbone is ruptured. Have you a wife ? " 



" No," I replied, " unfortunately I am a widower." 

 " Well, you must procure thirty yards of calico, and 

 get some female to wind it round your body as she would 

 swathe an infant, and do not remove it for at least 

 six months. Remember also to keep in a recumbent 

 posture as much as possible.'' 



I described to him the height of the gateway — that 

 it would only admit the coach without any one being on 

 it. He assured me that it was a miracle I had escaped as 

 I had done, and that it would take a considerable time 

 before my lungs would heal and I should entirely lose the 

 pain and soreness complained of, as the whole cavity 

 of my chest was bruised. Finally he told me I had 

 better go into the country and keep quiet for a while. 



