OR THE DESERT ISLAND. 157

After a while, Philip heard a hasty and well known
footstep. It was the count’s, who with his accustomed

impetuosity hurried into the room, and, taking Merville by~

the hand, cried out:

“Good news! my dear Philip, my uncle has pardoned
me. He knows all that passed between us, and he ap-
proves so highly of your generous conduct towards me,
that he has appointed you a midshipman.”

Turning toa servant in attendance, he aetered him to
bring a full suit of uniform, and had the pleasure of at-
taching to the side of his friend the sword which he him-
self had worn in that capacity. The change had been
so sudden and unexpected, that Merville had not words
to express his thanks. His agitation was excessive ;
and when at length he regained the command of his
speech, he poured forth a torrent of grateful expressions.
“tis not that [am ambitious,” he said, clasping the count’s
hand: “you have raised me from the lowest rank, and
opened to me a field in which I have full room to distin-
guish myself; that certainly was doing much for me; but
what overwhelms me with joy is the certainty that I now
have of frequently enjoying your company; for my rank
will no longer interpose an obstacle to our friendship.”

*‘ Merville, the sailor, would not have been less dear te