Mr.Jan, he said, just a month ago, when he first come to see me, as you was well, so to say, then.

Ah! it's only them as have tried it knows what the pulling through up to strength again is, when the illness itself seems gone." Lionel's conscience was rather suggestive at that moment.

He might have been stronger than he was, by this time, had he "pulled through" with a better will, and given way less.

"I am sorry not to see you better, Grind," he kindly said.
"You see me at the worst, sir, to-day," said the man, in a tone of apology, as if seeking to excuse his own sickness.

"I _be_ getting better, and that's a thing to be thankful for.