By diligent inquiry, she heard that Algernon had been seen in company with the infamous Nic, and likewise that the countenance of Nicodemus was reduced to accept the consolation of a poultice, which was confirmation sufficient.  By nightfall Robert was in the doctor’s hands, unconscious of Mrs. Boulby’s breach of agreement.  His father and his aunt were informed of his condition, and prepared, both of them, to bow their heads to the close of an ungodly career.  It was known over Warbeach, that Robert lay in danger, and believed that he was dying.

ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS: 

A fleet of South-westerly rainclouds had been met in mid-sky
Borrower to be dancing on Fortune’s tight-rope above the old abyss
Childish faith in the beneficence of the unseen Powers who feed us
Dead Britons are all Britons, but live Britons are not quite brothers
He had no recollection of having ever dined without drinking wine
He tried to gather his ideas, but the effort was like that of a light dreamer
Land and beasts!  They sound like blessed things
My first girl—­she’s brought disgrace on this house
Then, if you will not tell me
To be a really popular hero anywhere in Britain (must be a drinker)
You’re a rank, right-down widow, and no mistake