To be explicit, he is suffering from a complication of serious disorders, among them disease of the heart." He paused to let his announcement have its full effect.

"You will understand why I am here to represent him.

Lord Polperro dare not, simply dare not, expose himself to an agitating interview; it might--it probably would--cost him his life.

Miss Sparkes, I am sure you would not like to see your noble relative fall lifeless at your feet ?" Polly looked at Gammon, who, in spite of wrath, could not help smiling.
"He didn't do it in Lincoln's Inn Fields, Greenacre." "He did not; but I very greatly fear that those meetings--of course I have heard of them--helped to bring about the crisis under which he is now suffering, as also did a certain other meeting which you will recollect, Gammon.

Pray tell me, did Lord Polperro seem to you in robust health ?" "Can't say he did.