“I would gladly do so; but I promised Miss Rosenthal to be home to an early dinner, so as to be able to go with her to the hospitals this afternoon,” said Elfie.
“Every one is praising Miss Rosenthal. She is called the Angel of the Hospitals,” said Mim.
“She is rightly so called.”
“She has been very kind to me also—finding time in the midst of all her engagements to come to see me.”
“I owe her another debt of gratitude in that, Mr. Mim. Now good-bye for the present,” said Elfie, holding out her hand.
“You will come again?” he inquired, looking up pitiably through his hollow eyes.
“Indeed I will come often. I will come every day; and to-morrow I will find you some fruit and flowers, late as it is in the season; and I will bring you the last good new novel that I can find.”
“Oh no! don’t trouble yourself in that way, Miss Fielding. Bring yourself! that will be all sufficient for me,” said little Mim, gallantly.
“I will bring myself and whatever else I please, Mr. Mim. So there now! Now good-bye for to-day. And remember that, present or absent, I shall never forget your brave defence of me, Mr. Mim.”
“Good-bye, and God bless you for this delightful visit, Miss Fielding.”