“You are not feeling well this morning, Alick, dear?”
“No, Drusa, I am not well, in spirits at least. I have a very painful duty before me, little Drusa,” he answered, catching at this opening for his discourse.
“I am very sorry, Alick,” she replied, and then waited for his further speech.
“I shall be obliged to leave home for a short time. I did not like to tell you last night, lest it should disturb your rest,” he said, little knowing how utterly his desertion had deprived her of that rest.
“Oh, Alick, dear, must you really go?”
“I must really go, Drusilla. That business connected with my father’s will obliges me to do so,” he gravely said.
“Shall you take me with you, Alick?” she asked, in a low, timid voice.
“No, Drusa; of course not. If I could take you along I should not feel so badly about going,” he answered.
“Oh, Alick, I am so sorry, dear.”
“I shall not stay very long, Drusa. I shall come back to you as soon as I possibly can, my child.”