but he could not fail to observe that the shoemaker, whose hands

had been a little out at first, was growing dreadfully skilful, and

Charles Dickens ElecBook Classics

that he had never been so intent on his work, and that his hands

had never been so nimble and expert, as in the dusk of the ninth

evening.

Charles Dickens ElecBook Classics

Chapter XXV

AN OPINION

W

orn out by anxious watching, Mr. Lorry fell asleep at his

post. On the tenth morning of his suspense, he was

startled by the shining of the sun into the room where a

slumber had overtaken him when it was dark night.

He rubbed his eyes and roused himself; but he doubted, when

he had done so, whether he was not still asleep. For, going to the

door of the Doctor’s room and looking in, he perceived that the

shoemaker’s bench and tools were put aside again, and that the

Doctor himself sat reading at the window. He was in his usual

morning dress, and his face (which Mr. Lorry could distinctly see),

though still very pale, was calmly studious and attentive.

Even when he had satisfied himself that he was awake, Mr.

Lorry felt giddily uncertain for some few moments whether the

late shoemaking might not be a disturbed dream of his own; for,

did not his eyes show him his friend before him in his accustomed

clothing and aspect, and employed as usual; and w