His valet became alarmed, and, doubtful of the skill of the doctors around him, entreated permission to send to Zante for an English physician of greater reputation.

"The present valet de chambre is a bald-headed man, and clean- shaven, monsieur.

Thus not only was my valet a free-born Briton, but a landed proprietor.

" His valet was an old soldier, who had served through the Peninsular War, and who moved about with the orderly gait and quiet air of a man who had passed his heyday under the forming influences of camp discipline.

He hoped the valet would be dilatory in executing these commands.