'Oh! you'd say it was, if you had only seen him two or three days ago.' Mr Abel made no answer, and, to say the truth, kept a long way from the bed and very near the door.

His guide, who appeared to understand his reluctance, trimmed the candle, and taking it in her hand, approached the bed.

As she did so, the sleeper started up, and he recognised in the wasted face the features of Richard Swiveller.
'Why, how is this ?' said Mr Abel kindly, as he hurried towards him.
'You have been ill ?' 'Very,' replied Dick.

'Nearly dead.

You might have chanced to hear of your Richard on his bier, but for the friend I sent to fetch you.
Another shake of the hand, Marchioness, if you please.