Charles Dickens: Life And Adventures Of Martin Chuzzlewit

50. Chapter Fifty (continued)

He stopped, even in the passion of his speech--if that can be called passion which was so resolute and steady--to press Tom's hand again. Then he said, in great excitement:

'Close the door, close the door. He will not be long after me, but may come too soon. The time now drawing on,' said the old man, hurriedly--his eyes and whole face brightening as he spoke--'will make amends for all. I wouldn't have him die or hang himself, for millions of golden pieces! Close the door!'

Tom did so; hardly knowing yet whether he was awake or in a dream.