"Did that fellow say anything?"
"Yes, sir, please."
"Out with it."
"'Twas claret, Sir Jekyl, please, sir."
"None of your d—d lies, sir. I heard him say 'serious.' What was it?"
"Please, sir, he said as how you were to be kep up, sir, which it might be serious if otherwise. So he said, sir, please, it might be serious if you was not properly kep up with claret, please, sir."
"Come, Tomlinson—see I must know. Did he say I was in a bad way—likely to die?—come." His face was certainly hollow and earthy enough just then to warrant forebodings.
"No, sir; certainly not, sir. No, sir, please, nothing of the kind."
The Baronet looked immeasurably more like himself.
"Give me some wine—a glass," said he.