“Yes,” said he, roughly, for his pain was again upon him. “I wanted any one that would be humane enough to sit with me for a while. Are you steady enough of hand to drop that medicine for me, child?”
“I think so,” said she, smiling gently.
“But you must be certain, or it won't do. I 'd not like to be poisoned, my good girl. Five-and-twenty drops,—no more.”
“I 'll count them, sir, and be most careful,” said she, rising, and taking the bottle.
“Egad, I scarcely fancy trusting you,” said he, half peevishly. “A giddy thing like you would feel little remorse at having overdone the dose.”
“Oh, grandpapa!”
“Oh, of course you 'd not do it purposely. But why am I left to such chances? Why is n't your mother here? There are all my letters, besides, unread; and they cannot, if need were, be answered by this post.”
“She said that she 'd be obliged to call at the bank this morning, sir, and was very likely to be delayed there for a considerable time.”
“I 'm sure I cannot guess why. It is Trover and Twist 's duty to attend to her at once. They would not presume to detain her, Oh! here comes the pain again! Why do you irritate me, child, by these remarks? Can't you see how they distress me?”
“Dear grandpapa, how sorry I am! Let me give you these drops.”