CHAPTER XVI—DEVOTED
When John Jasper recovered from his fit or swoon, he found himself being tended by Mr. and Mrs. Tope, whom his visitor had summoned for the purpose. His visitor, wooden of aspect, sat stiffly in a chair, with his hands upon his knees, watching his recovery.
‘There! You’ve come to nicely now, sir,’ said the tearful Mrs. Tope; ‘you were thoroughly worn out, and no wonder!’
‘A man,’ said Mr. Grewgious, with his usual air of repeating a lesson, ‘cannot have his rest broken, and his mind cruelly tormented, and his body overtaxed by fatigue, without being thoroughly worn out.’
‘I fear I have alarmed you?’ Jasper apologised faintly, when he was helped into his easy-chair.
‘Not at all, I thank you,’ answered Mr. Grewgious.
‘You are too considerate.’
‘Not at all, I thank
