"I guess not."
"Have you been sitting here ever since Electra went, dreaming and starving?"
"I guess so."
"Well, that's it. Now you get on your two feet and take my arm and come over to Bessie Grant's. And she'll give you food and coffee. Bless us, Florrie, we're not going to own we miss Electra's patent foods as early in the game as this!"
She smiled at him. "I believe I am hungry, Billy," she owned. "That's why I had my dream. They always have visions fasting. But it was a beautiful dream. I wish I could have it again."
"You wait a minute. I'm going to get you a nip of brandy." She was rising, and he put her back into her chair. "I know where it is." He hurried down the path, but her voice recalled him sharply.
"Billy, come back. Don't leave me."
He returned to her, where she had risen and was standing tremulously. That same dire change was on her face, as if old age had passed a sponge over it. Her eyes regarded him, in a keen questioning.
"What is it, Billy?" she whispered. "What's coming?" He put her into her chair, and she said again, "Don't leave me."
"I must." There were tears in his kind eyes. "Let me go one minute, dear. I'll get you something."