OR THE DESERT ISLAND. — 137

Charles enjoyed the satisfactory conviction that it was
not to the superiority of his rank or to his title that he was
indebted for the affection Philip now cherished towards
him ; but solely to the self-reformation he had achieved,
to the knowledge his superior education had given him,
and to the obliging and conciliatory manners that were
now become familiar to him. These qualities had gained
him the sincere friendship of a youth who, when he was
at the height of his power, had constantly refused him the
slightest manifestation of respect.

The count soon found an opportunity, unexpected and
unwished for, of testifying the sincerity of his friendship
for Philip. For the latter, exhausted by constant toil and
harassed by painful anticipations, became seriously indis-
posed. During several days he was oppressed by the most
enfeebling languor; and to this gradually succeeded a
violent fever, from which, in tropical climates, an Euro-
pean is seldom permitted to escape.

Philip’s condition filled the count’s breast with the most
fearful apprehensions. Never did the most assiduous
nurse, or the fondest mother, feel greater solicitude, care
and attention than were manifested by the count in his
attendance on Philip. Neither watchings nor labours, nor
offices to which he was altogether accustomed, could

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