"How is your master? Is he awake? Can I see him?" he inquired.
"Surely, Marse Fabe! Ole marse wide awake, berry easy, and 'quiring arter you. Come in, sar!"
Mr. Fabian entered the room, which was in some darkness from the closed window shutters, and went up to his father's bed.
"I hope you are better, sir," he said.
"I don't know," said the injured man, in a faint voice.
"How are the works getting on?"
"Famously, sir! Splendidly! Pray do not feel the least anxiety on that score."
"Where is Clarence?"
"At North End, sir. Of course, he would not think of leaving the works while both you and myself are absent."