been disappointed went sullenly or sorrowfully away, while I entered the

audience-chamber.

I was struck by the improvement that appeared in the health of Adrian. He

was no longer bent to the ground, like an over-nursed flower of spring,

that, shooting up beyond its strength, is weighed down even by its own

coronal of blossoms. His eyes were bright, his countenance composed, an air

of concentrated energy was diffused over his whole person, much unlike its

former languor. He sat at a table with several secretaries, who were

arranging petitions, or registering the notes made during that day's

audience. Two or three petitioners were still in attendance. I admired his

justice and patience. Those who possessed a power of living out of London,

he advised immediately to quit it, affording them the means of so doing.

Others, whose trade was beneficial to the city, or who possessed no other

refuge, he provided with advice for better avoiding the epidemic; relieving

overloaded families, supplying the gaps made in others by death. Order,

comfort, and even health, rose under his influence, as from the touch of a

magician's wand.

"I am glad you are come," he said to me, when we were at last alone; "I can

only spare a few minutes, and must tell you much in that time. The plague

is now in progress--it is useless closing one's eyes to the fact--the

deaths encrease each week. What will come I cannot guess. As yet, thank

God, I am equal to the government of the town; and I look only to the

present. Ryland, whom I have so long detained, has stipulated that I shall

suffer him to depart before the end of this month. The deputy appointed by

330

The Last Man