And to think you'd seen him and never told me! Never mind, go up to him, if you will, and see what he wants with you." Gammon did her bidding.

He ascended lightly and tapped at the door Mrs.
Clover indicated.

A cough sounded from within; then a voice which the visitor recognized, saying, "Come in." On the bed, but fully dressed, lay a tall, meagre man, with a woollen comforter about his neck.

The room was in good order, and warmed by a fire, which the sufferer's condition seemed to make very necessary.

He fixed his eyes on Gammon, as if trying to smile, but defeated in the effort by pain and misery.
"I'm here, you see," he said hoarsely.