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80 "I fear I shall feel it so at first, your Royal Highness," answered Brandon, "for I like even the toil of my profession, and at this moment when I am in full practice—it more than ever—but—(checking himself at once)—His Majesty's wishes, and my satisfaction in complying with them, are more than sufficient to remove any momentary regret I might otherwise have felt in quitting those toils which have now become to me a second nature."

"It is possible," rejoined the Royal Individual, "that His Majesty took into consideration the delicate state of health, which, in common with the whole public, I grieve to see, the papers have attributed to one of the most distinguished ornaments of the bar."

"So please your Royal Highness," answered Brandon, coolly—and with a smile which the most piercing eye could not have believed the mask to the agony then gnawing at his nerves,—"It is the interest of my rivals to exaggerate the little ailments of a weak constitution. I thank