"No, indeed," she replied; "I should feel strange if you called me by any other name. Lean on me, and I will guide you to your chair. You will not hurt me; I am stronger than you think."
Her touch, her voice with its note of exquisite sympathy, made me faint with happiness, I sank into the chair, and still retained her hand, which she did not withdraw from me.
"Do you feel better?"
"Much better, Lauretta, thanks to your sweet help. Remain with me a little while."
"Yes, I will. It was fortunate my father sent me to you, or you might have fallen to the ground with your rash experiment."
"Your father sent you to me, Lauretta?"
"Yes."
This proof of confidence, after what had passed between us, did wonders for me. A weight was lifted from my heart, a cloud from my eyes. I would prove myself worthy of his confidence.
"The colour has come back to your face," said Lauretta. "You are better."
"I am almost quite well, Lauretta. I have been so great a burden to you and your good parents that I thought it was time to give up my idle ways and show I was capable of waiting upon myself."