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Collins, Wilkie, 1824-1889

"The New Magdalen"

I am not
harassed at home by doubts of who people are, and confusion about
names, and so on. I suspect the contrast weighs a little on my
mind and upsets it. They make me over-suspicious among them here,
and it ends in my feeling doubts and fears that I can't get over:
doubts about you and fears about myself. I have got a fear about
myself now. I want you to help me. Shall I make an apology
first?"
"Don't say a word. Tell me what I can do."
He turned his face toward Julian for the first time.
"Just look at me," he said. "Does it strike you that I am at all
wrong in my mind? Tell me the truth, old fellow."
"Your nerves are a little shaken, Horace. Nothing more."
He considered again after that reply, his eyes remaining
anxiously fixed on Julian's face.
"My nerves are a little shaken," he repeated. "That is true; I
feel they are shaken. I should like, if you don't mind, to make
sure that it's no worse. Will you help me to try if my memory is
all right?"
"I will do anything you like."
"Ah! you are a good fellow, Julian--and a clear-headed fellow
too, which is very important just now. Look here! I say it's
about a week since the troubles began in this house.


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