'Don't stir,' he says; 'and don't light the gas. I was told you were here, and I know how fond you are of sitting in the dark.'
It was indeed a favourite habit with them when they were alone. He sits by them in silence; for a minute or two no word is spoken. Then Mrs. Silver places her hand lightly on his shoulder.
'I understand, I understand,' he says; 'you are waiting for me to speak. You always know when I am in trouble.'
'How can I help knowing? Your face I cannot see, but I hear your heart in your voice.'
'Tell me: is it a good thing to make other persons' troubles ours?'
'What is sympathy for?' she answers in return.
'I have spoken to you now and again of a child--a girl--whom I have seen occasionally----
'The flower-girl?'
'Yes, the flower-girl; the girl whom I met for the first time in the company of a boy who deceived me--a boy who told me the most unblushing l---- stories, and who yet had some humanity in him.'
'That is many years ago. The girl must be almost a woman now.'