But, of course, he has done nothing. I gave him your
papers with my own hand, and he was hot upon the intention, but of
course he has done nothing. Apart from the general human
disinclination to do anything that ought to be done, I dare say
there is a specially about assuring one's life. You find it like
will-making. People are so superstitious, and take it for granted
they will die soon afterwards.'
'Up here, if you please; straight up here, Mr. Sampson. Neither to
the right nor to the left.' I almost fancied I could hear him
breathe the words as he sat smiling at me, with that intolerable
parting exactly opposite the bridge of my nose.
'There is such a feeling sometimes, no doubt,' I replied; 'but I
don't think it obtains to any great extent.'
'Well,' said he, with a shrug and a smile, 'I wish some good angel
would influence my friend in the right direction. I rashly
promised his mother and sister in Norfolk to see it done, and he
promised them that he would do it. But I suppose he never will.'
He spoke for a minute or two on indifferent topics, and went away.
I had scarcely unlocked the drawers of my writing-table next
morning, when he reappeared.
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