“You have had a narrow escape,” the doctor said to John, who, well wrapped up, lay back, looking very weak and pale, before a blazing fire. “It was very lucky I was sent for. Twenty-four hours later I would not have answered for your life.”
“I was delirious, was I not?”
“Yes, slightly; you cursed and swore fearfully at us when we rolled you up in the mustard plaster.... Well, it was very hot, and must have burnt you.”
“Yes, it was; it has scarcely left a bit of skin on me. But did I use very bad language? I suppose I could not help it.... I was delirious, was I not?”
“Yes, slightly.”
“Yes; but I remember, and if I remember right, I used very bad language; and people when they are really delirious do not know what they say. Is not that so, doctor?”
“If they are really delirious they d
