I wish she could have lived for ever.

If he ever ventures to show himself within ten miles of Allington, I'll see if I cannot do better than I did the last time I met him!" Then there came a knock at the door, and the private secretary, finding himself to be somewhat annoyed by the disturbance at such a moment, bade the intruder enter in angry voice.

"Oh, it's you, Cradell, is it?
What can I do for you ?" Mr.Cradell, who now entered, and who, as before said, was an old ally of John Eames, was a clerk of longer standing in the department than his friend.

In age he looked to be much older, and he had left with him none of that appearance of the gloss of youth which will stick for many years to men who are fortunate in their worldly affairs.

Indeed it may be said that Mr.Cradell was almost shabby in his outward appearance, and his brow seemed to be laden with care, and his eyes were dull and heavy.
"I thought I'd just come in and ask you how you are," said Cradell.
"I'm pretty well, thank you; and how are you ?" "Oh, I'm pretty well,--in health, that is.