"I shall never—feel safe—again!" she gasped, between her sobs.
"Yes, yes, you will," he assured her. "You will have me to take care of you. I shall not leave you again."
"But the nights!" she cried wildly. "The nights!"
"Hush!" he said. "Hush! There is nothing to cry about. I will take care of you at night, too."
She began to grow a little calmer. The assurance of his manner soothed her. But for a long time she crouched there shivering, with her face hidden, while he knelt beside her and stroked her hair.
At last he moved as though to rise, but on the instant she clutched at him with both hands.
"Don't go! Don't leave me! You said you wouldn't!"
"I am not going to, Chirpy," he said. "Don't be afraid!"
But she was afraid, and continued to cling to him very tightly, though she would not raise her face.
"Come!" he said gently, at length. "You're better. Wouldn't you like to bathe your feet?"