It may mean that, sir.

Perhaps it is better that it should." "It matters little, child, if he be near, as near he is.

I tell you, Mr.
Mellot, this conviction has become so intense during the last week, that--that I believe I should not be thrown off my balance if he entered at this moment....

I feel him so near me, sir, that--that I could swear, did I not know how the weak brain imitates expected sounds, that I heard his footstep outside now." "I heard horses' footsteps," says Claude.--"Ah, there comes Stangrave and our host." "I heard them: but I heard my boy's likewise," said the old man quietly.
The next minute he seemed to have forgotten the fancy, as the two hunters entered, and Mark began open-mouthed as usual-- "Well, Ned! In good company, eh?
That's right.

Mortal cold I am! We shall have a white Christmas, I expect.