I have often spoken to medical men about them, since, but never could learn
that excessive use of opium could altogether account for them. It was,
I believe, certain, however, that he did use that drug in startling
quantities. It was, indeed, sometimes a topic of complaint with him that
his neuralgia imposed this sad necessity upon him.
The image of Uncle Silas, as I had seen him that day, troubled and
affrighted my imagination, as I lay in my bed; I had slept very well since
my arrival at Bartram. So much of the day was passed in the open air, and
in active exercise, that this was but natural. But that night I was nervous
and wakeful, and it was past two o'clock when I fancied I heard the sound
of horses and carriage-wheels on the avenue.
Mary Quince was close by, and therefore I was not afraid to get up and peep
from the window. My heart beat fast as I saw a post-chaise approach the
court-yard. A front window was let down, and the postilion pulled up for a
few seconds.
In consequence of some directions received by him, I fancied he resumed his
route at a walk, and so drew up at the hall-door, on the steps of which a
figure awaited his arrival.
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