"
"It was a providential escape," said Stanislas, thankfully. "I thought
it was all over with me."
"We'll set you up in no time, never fear. But tell more about
yourself. Jove! you are a fine chap, Stanny. Why, you'll die a general
yet, if the Russians 'll let you off a little longer, and you're not
wanted for the House of Peers."
"What do you mean, uncle?"
"Why, of course, you haven't heard. There's trouble among your fine
relations. Lord Essendine has lost all his sons."
"All?"
"Yes; all. Hugo was killed, as you know; Anastasius died at Scutari;
and Lord Lydstone, two days later, was found dead in the streets of
Stamboul."
"Dead? How? What did he die of, uncle?"
"A stab in the heart. He was murdered."
"And I--"
He understood now the cause of the foul blow struck at him, and the
base attempt to get him also out of the way.
"You are now next heir to the peerage, in spite of all they may say.
But you'll find my lord civil enough soon. He'll be wanting you to go
straight home."
"And leave the army? Not while there's fighting to be done, Uncle
Barto. I may not be much good as I am, but I'll do all I can, trust
me. I ought to be getting on shore and back to the front."
"My doctor will have a word to say to that. He won't let you be moved
till you're well and strong.
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