The interdict was taken off the rooms of Sir Wycherly, and in them had collected all the gentlemen, Mrs.Dutton and her daughter, with three or four of the upper servants of the establishment.

Even Galleygo contrived to thrust his ungainly person in, among the rest, though he had the discretion to keep in the background among his fellows.

In a word, both dressing-room and bed-room had their occupants, though the last was principally filled by the medical men, and those whose rank gave them claims to be near the person of the sick.
It was now past a question known that poor Sir Wycherly was on his death-bed.

His mind had sensibly improved, nor was his speech any worse; but his physical system generally had received a shock that rendered recovery hopeless.

It was the opinion of the physicians that he might possibly survive several days; or, that he might be carried off, in a moment, by a return of the paralytic affection.
The baronet, himself, appeared to be perfectly conscious of his situation; as was apparent by the anxiety he expressed to get his friends together, and more especially the concern he felt to make a due disposition of his worldly affairs.