"He is kind to you? And you—are happy?" he continued, still gazing at the circlet.
She did not speak; she was startled and confused. He supposed, then, that she was married. Would it not be best to leave the error uncorrected? But—could she succeed in this?
"You do not answer," said Heathcote, lifting his eyes to her face. "Are you not happy, then?"
"Yes, I am happy," she answered, trying to smile. "But please do not talk; you are not strong enough for talking."
"I hope he is not here, or expected. Do not let him come in here, Anne: promise me."
"He is not coming."
"He is in the army, I suppose, somewhere in the neighborhood; and you are here to be near him?"
"No."
"Then how is it that you are here?"
"I have been in the hospitals for a short time as nurse. But if you persist in talking, I shall certainly leave you. Why not try to sleep?"