"Don't take my mind back to that--pray don't!" he pleaded earnestly.

"I can't bear it, Doctor Benjulia--I can't bear it! Please to excuse my rudeness: it isn't intentional--I don't know myself what's the matter with me.

I've always led a quiet life, sir; I'm not fit for such things as these.

Don't suppose I speak selfishly.

I'll do what I can, if you will kindly spare me." He might as well have appealed to the sympathy of the table at which they were sitting.