"Which do you call this you are about now?"
"Both," said Mr. Shubrick, smiling. "Now you may lie still, and keep the rest of your questions for another time."
Mr. Copley yielded, and lay looking at his new attendant, till he dozed off into unconsciousness. Waking then after a while, hot and restless, his nurse brought water and a sponge and began sponging his face and neck and hands; gently and soothingly; and kept up the exercise until restlessness abated, breaths of satisfied content came at easy intervals; and finally Mr. Copley slumbered off peacefully, and knew no more. When he awoke the sun was shining on the oaks of Brierley Park. The window was open, as it had been all night, and by the window sat Mr. Shubrick, looking out. The sick man eyed him for a while.
"Are you asleep there?" he said at last, growing impatient of the silence. Mr. Shubrick got up and came to him.
"Good morning!" said he. "How have you rested?"
"I believe it's the best night I've had yet. What were you doing to me in the night? using a sponge to me, weren't you? It put me to sleep. I believe it would cure a man of a fever, by Jupiter."
"Not by Jupiter," said Mr. Shubrick. "And you must not say such things while I am here."
"Why not?" Mr. Copley opened his eyes somewhat.
"It is no better than counterfeit swearing."
"Would you rather have the true thing?"