Worse muttered something, and with sleepy eyes watched the departure of the bed.
When his wife soon afterwards entered the room, he said: "I shall be all right to-morrow, Sarah; it is only the first day that is so confoundedly bad. Bah! I will never touch toddy again. It's beastly, that's what it is."
"You are more ill than you suppose, both in body and soul, and I think you should seek healing for both, especially for your soul, before it be too late."
"Yes, dear, you know I will; but you must help me. Come sit by me, and read to me a little."
"Not to-day," she answered.
He lay in bed all that day, suffering much. The next day his head, at least, was clear, but the pains in his stomach troubled him, and he found it best to remain lying down.
From time to time Sarah visited his room, and he begged her piteously to come and sit by him; for when he was alone, he was troubled by many evil and dismal thoughts.
She seated herself by the window, with some small books—like her mother, she had also taken to small books.
"I suppose you will repent, and seek forgiveness for your sins, Worse; or will you persist in putting it off?"
"No, no, dear. You know how gladly I would repent. But you must help me, Sarah; for I know not what to do."