I have come down all the way from London to see you, and
I am _sure_ you won't make me lose my journey; will you now?"
"And pray who asked you to come all the way from London, sir?"
"A person to whom your health is very dear."
"Oh indeed; so I have secret friends, have I? Well, you may tell my
secret, underhand, _friends,_ I never was better in my life."
"I am truly glad to hear it," said the little man: "let me introduce
myself, as Dr. Wycherley forgot to do it." And he handed Alfred a card,
on which his name and profession were written.
"Well, Mr. Speers," said Alfred, "I have only a moment to give you, for I
must dress for dinner. What do you want?"
"I come, sir, in hopes of convincing your friends you are not so very
ill; not incurable. Why your eye is steady, your complexion good: a
little high with the excitement of this conversation; but, if we can only
get over this little delusion, all will be well."
"What little delusion?"
"About the L. 14,000, you know."
"What L. 14,000? I have not mentioned L. 14,000 to you, have I?"
"No, sir: you seem to shun it like poison; that is the worst of it.
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