CHAPTER XVIII.
The breakfast-room proved to be empty when I entered it the next morning.
It was the first time in my experience that I had failed to find Mr.
Keller established at the table.

He had hitherto set the example of early rising to his partner and to myself.

I had barely noticed his absence, when Mr.Engelman followed me into the room with a grave and anxious face, which proclaimed that something was amiss.
"Where is Mr.Keller ?" I asked.
"In bed, David." "Not ill, I hope ?" "I don't know what is the matter with him, my dear boy.

He says he has passed a bad night, and he can't leave his bed and attend to business as usual.

Is it the close air of the theater, do you think ?" "Suppose I make him a comfortable English cup of tea ?" I suggested.
"Yes, yes! And take it up yourself.