I consider you a fortunate fellow."

The young men were obliged to smile at the doctor's way of viewing the
subject; but he paid little attention to their mirth.

"And I will remain, meanwhile, with you," said William Bernard, which
was the name of the gentleman who had accompanied the physician,
addressing himself to Pownal, "if our good friend,"--and here he
looked at Holden--"has no objection."

The Recluse signified his assent; and Pownal, thanking his friend, the
doctor gave his sanction to the arrangement.

"It will do you no harm, William," he said, "to rough it for a night
or two, and you will prove yourself thereby of a different stamp from
Timon's friends." And here the doctor, who loved to quote poetry,
especially Shakspeare's, better than to administer medicine, indulged
again in his favorite habit:

"'As we do turn our backs
From our companion thrown into his grave,
So his familiars, to his buried fortunes,
Slink all away; leave their false vows with him,
Like empty purses picked, and his poor self
A dedicated beggar to the air.'

But, Mr. Holden, lend me thy ears a moment, and thy tongue, too, if
you please, for you must tell me how this happened. I do not care to
disturb Pownal with the inquiry."