baby, poor soul, and it will be weeks before he's able to
stir. If he worries and frets, he'll put himself back for a certainty;
but I daresay you'll have more influence over him than I, sir, and that
you may be able to keep him quiet."

"I doubt that," answered Gilbert; "but I'll do my best. Has he been
delirious to-day?"

"No, sir, not once; and of course that's a great thing gained."

A feeble voice from the inner room called Gilbert by name presently, and
he went in at its bidding.

"Is that you, Gilbert? Come in, for pity's sake. I was sure of the voice.
So you have come on your errand of charity once more. I am very glad to
see you, though you are not my friend. Sit down, ministering Christian,
sit by my side; I have some questions to ask you."

"You must not talk much, John. The doctor insists upon perfect
tranquillity."

"He might just as well insist upon my making myself Emperor of all the
Russias; one demand would be about as reasonable as the other. How long
have I been lying here like a log--a troublesome log, by the way; for I
find from some hints the nurse dropped to-day as to the blessing of my
recovery, that I have been somewhat given to violence;--how long have I
been ill, Gilbert?"

"A very long time."

"Give me a categorical answer. How many weeks and days?"

"You were taken ill about the middle of December, and we are now in the
first week of February."

"Nearly two months; and in all that time I have been idle--_ergo_, no
remittances from publishers. How have I lived, Gilbert? How have the
current expenses of my illness been paid? And the children of
Israel--have they not been clamorous? There was a bill due in January, I
know. I was working for that when I got pulled up. How is it that my vile
carcass is not in their hands?"

"You need give yourself no trouble; the bill has been taken up."

"By you, of course? Yes; you do not deny it. And you have been spending
your money day by day to keep me alive. But then you would have done as
much for a stranger. Great heaven, what a mean hound I seem to myself, as
I lie here and think what you have done for me, and how I have acted
towards you!" He turned himself in his bed with a great effort, and lay
with his face to the wall. "Let me hide my face from you," he said; "I am
a shameful creature."

"Believe me, once more, there is not the faintest shadow of an
obligation," Gilbert responded eagerly; "I can very well afford anything
I have do