How long have I been lying here like a log--a troublesome log, by the way; for I find from some hints the nurse dropped to-day as to the blessing of my recovery, that I have been somewhat given to violence;--how long have I been ill, Gilbert ?" "A very long time." "Give me a categorical answer.

How many weeks and days ?" "You were taken ill about the middle of December, and we are now in the first week of February." "Nearly two months; and in all that time I have been idle--_ergo_, no remittances from publishers.

How have I lived, Gilbert?
How have the current expenses of my illness been paid?
And the children of Israel--have they not been clamorous?
There was a bill due in January, I know.

I was working for that when I got pulled up.

How is it that my vile carcass is not in their hands ?" "You need give yourself no trouble; the bill has been taken up." "By you, of course?
Yes; you do not deny it.