But he gave it as
his opinion that the boy was labouring under a severe concussion of the
brain, and that Mr Bailey's mortal course was run.
If Montague's strong interest in the announcement could have been
considered as unselfish in any degree, it might have been a redeeming
trait in a character that had no such lineaments to spare. But it was
not difficult to see that, for some unexpressed reason best appreciated
by himself, he attached a strange value to the company and presence of
this mere child. When, after receiving some assistance from the surgeon
himself, he retired to the bedroom prepared for him, and it was broad
day, his mind was still dwelling on this theme.
'I would rather have lost,' he said, 'a thousand pounds than lost the
boy just now. But I'll return home alone. I am resolved upon that.
Chuzzlewit shall go forward first, and I will follow in my own time.
I'll have no more of this,' he added, wiping his damp forehead.
'Twenty-four hours of this would turn my hair grey!'
After examining his chamber, and looking under the bed, and in the
cupboards, and even behind the curtains, with unusual caution (although
it was, as has been said, broad day), he double-locked the door by which
he had entered, and retired to rest.
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