But his sleep was far from profound.

Often he woke and again dozed off.
The clock in the dressing-room struck eleven.
"Show Miss Marston up the moment she arrives," he said--and his voice was almost like that of a man in health.
"Yes, sir," replied the startled Mewks, and felt he must obey.
So Mary was at once shown to the chamber of the sick man.
To her surprise (for Mewks had given her no warning), he was in bed, and looking as ill as ever she had seen him.

His small head was like a skull covered with parchment.

He made the slightest of signs to her to come nearer--and again.

She went close to the bed.