"When I think of the dreadful illness that followed, and when Irecall the days of unrelieved suspense passed at the bedside, Ihave not courage enough to dwell on this part of my story.
Besides, you know already that Beaucourt recovered--or, as Imight more correctly describe it, that he was snatched back to life when the grasp of death was on him. Of this happier period of his illness I have something to say which may surprise and interest you.
"On one of the earlier days of his convalescence my visit to him was paid later than usual. A matter of importance, neglected while he was in danger, had obliged me to leave town for a few days, after there was nothing to be feared. Returning, I had missed the train which would have brought me to London in better time.
"My appearance evidently produced in Beaucourt a keen feeling of relief. He requested the day nurse, waiting in the room, to leave us by ourselves.
" 'I was afraid you might not have come to me to-day,' he said.
'My last moments would have been imbittered, my friend, by your absence.'
" 'Are you anticipating your death,' I asked, 'at the very time when the doctors answer for your life?'