Once, when I left the
room for a minute and went back again, I found him attempting to get out
of bed--only to try his strength, he said. But he's no more strength than
a new-born baby, poor soul, and it will be weeks before he's able to
stir. If he worries and frets, he'll put himself back for a certainty;
but I daresay you'll have more influence over him than I, sir, and that
you may be able to keep him quiet."
"I doubt that," answered Gilbert; "but I'll do my best. Has he been
delirious to-day?"
"No, sir, not once; and of course that's a great thing gained."
A feeble voice from the inner room called Gilbert by name presently, and
he went in at its bidding.
"Is that you, Gilbert? Come in, for pity's sake. I was sure of the voice.
So you have come on your errand of charity once more. I am very glad to
see you, though you are not my friend. Sit down, ministering Christian,
sit by my side; I have some questions to ask you."
"You must not talk much, John. The doctor insists upon perfect
tranquillity."
"He might just as well insist upon my making myself Emperor of all the
Russias; one demand would be about as reasonable as the other. 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.
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