"Wait a bit till my cough's over." She almost choked herself in her effort to finish the sentence before the cough commenced. It lasted a long time, but Dick, supporting her in his arms, was glad to hear that it was looser. Then she whispered to him again, "Don't let 'em hear us, Dick. Say Damn!
"Damn!" said Dick, without the least hesitation.
She sank back and smiled. It was the first time Dick had seen her smile, and it brought a wonderful light into her sallow face. Whatever may have been the reason for the singular request, she was evidently much relieved.
CHAPTER XXIII.
[FLORENCE AND REGINALD.]
The hands of all the clocks in Islington that kept correct time marked the hour of two as Dick stood before the door of 16, Park Street. His hand was on the knocker, when the door was opened, and Florence drew him into the house.
"Come upstairs, Dick," she said, panting as if she had been running. "I saw you from the window, and ran down. Oh, Dick, I am so glad to see you--so glad, so glad!"
On the landing of the first floor she stopped and kissed him. "Come in, Dick, come in."
They entered a comfortably furnished room, and by the aid of the better light he saw that she was struggling to keep back her tears.
"Are you well, Florence?" he asked anxiously.