Late in the afternoon he sat up and rubbed his eyes, looking confusedly about the office. “I’ve been asleep!” he said in a tone of surprise.
“Are you rested, sir?”
“First rate.” He shook himself a little and got up from the couch. “Mail come?”
“Yes, sir.” He handed him the letters.
“I ’ve answered these.” He handed him another pile ready for signature.
Simeon read them through with untroubled face, and signed those that were ready. He seemed more like himself than John had seen him for weeks; but the young man, watching him anxiously, was afraid to question him again.
When the letters were finished, Simeon turned to him with a smile. “Blake’s an old granny!” he said.
The young man made no reply. His steady eyes were on the thin face.
Simeon nodded re-assuringly. “I ’m all right.—You ’d ’a’ thought, to hear him talk, the funeral was to-morrow.” He gave a short laugh. “I guess he hypnotized me for a spell. I knew I’d be all right as soon as I got back to you.” He smiled at the youth affectionately.
“What did he say?” asked John.