“Why, you simple Girl,” says he, laughing; “because I must have described it to you before, though you and I had forgotten it!”
I felt quite sure in my own Mind that he had not.
“Well,” says he, setting out with me along the Bowling-green, “what’s the News, Cherry? The Plague, you say, is abating, but not gone. Have you seen or heard Anything of my poor People?”
I said yes. Mistress Peach had come to me on my sending for her the Evening before I left; and had told me how Things were going on.
“And how are they going on?” said he.
“Well, Sir, it would be a poor Compliment to you, if they were going on as well in your Absence, as in your Presence.”
“That’s true,” says he, looking grave; “but, for Particulars.”
“Many Persons in Trouble of one kind or another, knock at your Door; and when they find they cannot see you, go away in Tears.”
“Poor Souls!” said he, much moved, “I will return to them shortly. I think I am almost well enough now, Cherry. They think I am neglecting them?”
“No, Sir, they are very sorry you need recruiting; but they are sorry for themselves too.”