"I am so sorry, so very, very sorry!" she murmured. "Can I say more than that?"
"You can, Barbara. You can promise me never to drink spirits again."
"Do you think I ever intend to?" she asked, in a tone of astonishment.
"I don't know."
"Now listen to me, love," she said, with an ingenuous smile. "I will never touch another drop as long as I live."
"Do you mean that truly?"
"Truly, truly, truly! I was so ill, and so unhappy at being left alone! I can't bear you out of my sight, John, dear, and if you won't take advantage of it I don't mind confessing I am a wee bit jealous. We will not talk of it any more, will we?"
"It is a solemn promise you have given me."
"A solemn, solemn promise, love. If you have any doubts of me I will go down on my knees and swear it."
"I take your word, Barbara."