Indeed I think you would have
died but for the tender nursing and unceasing care of--"
"Ah, God bless her! Where is she, John--where is the Duchess?"
"Her Grace went out driving this morning, sir."
"This morning? Why, I was talking with her this morning--only a
little while ago."
"That was yesterday morning, sir."
"Oh!" said Barnabas, hand to head, "do you mean that I have slept
the clock round?"
"Yes, sir."
"Hum!" said Barnabas. "Consequently I'm hungry, John, deuced sharp
set--ravenous, John!"
"That, sir," quoth Peterby, smiling his rare smile, "that is the
best news I've heard this three weeks and more, and your chicken
broth is ready--"
"Chicken broth!" exclaimed Barnabas, "for shame, John. Bring me a
steak, do you hear?"
"But, sir," Peterby remonstrated, shaking his head, yet with his
face ever brightening, "indeed I--"
"Or a chop, John, or ham and eggs--I'm hungry; I tell you."
"Excellent!" laughed Peterby, nodding his head, "but the doctor,
sir--"
"Doctor!" cried Barnabas, with a snort, "what do I want with doctors?
I'm well, John. Bring me my clothes."
"Clothes, sir!" exclaimed Peterby, aghast.
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