dubiously at Festus from under one eyelid. 'You see how I am. Not
by any means better, you see; so I can't entertain 'ee as well as I
would.'

'You can't, nunc, you can't. I don't think you are worse--if I do,
dash my wig. But you'll have plenty of opportunities to make me
welcome when you are better. If you are not so brisk inwardly as
you was, why not try change of air? This is a dull, damp hole.'

''Tis, Festus; and I am thinking of moving.'

'Ah, where to?' said Festus, with surprise and interest.

'Up into the garret in the north corner. There is no fireplace in
the room; but I shan't want that, poor soul o' me.'

''Tis not moving far.'

''Tis not. But I have not a soul belonging to me within ten mile;
and you know very well that I couldn't afford to go to lodgings that
I had to pay for.'

'I know it--I know it, Uncle Benjy! Well, don't be disturbed. I'll
come and manage for you as soon as ever this Boney alarm is over;
but when a man's country calls he must obey, if he is a man.'

'A splendid spirit!' said Uncle Benjy, with much admiration on the
surface of his countenance. 'I never had it. How could it have got
into the boy?'