The day was close; the window-shutters were fastened; a huge fire blazed in the chimney; thick harateen curtains were close drawn round the bed, where the wretched squire lay extended under an enormous load of blankets.

The nurse, who had all the exteriors of a bawd given to drink, sat stewing in this apartment like a damned soul in some infernal bagnio; but rising when the company entered, made her curtsies with great decorum.--"Well," said the doctor, "how does your patient, nurse ?"--"Blessed be God for it, I hope in a fair way.

To be sure his apozem has had a blessed effect-- five-and-twenty stools since three o'clock in the morning.

But then, a'would not suffer the blisters to be put upon his thighs.

Good lack! a'has been mortally obstropolous, and out of his senses all this blessed day."-- "You lie," cried the squire, "I an't out of my seven senses, thof I'm half mad with vexation." The doctor having withdrawn the curtain, the hapless squire appeared very pale and ghastly; and having surveyed his master with a rueful aspect, addressed him in these words: "Sir Knight, I beg a boon.