"She is the champion of all absent friends—the best girl in the world. When I tell her that you——"
"You must not tell her where to find me—you will not act fairly by her, if you thrust her into danger, sir. I rely upon you to keep her away."
"Well, you women do catch things very rapidly," said he; "I—I think that perhaps it will be as well not to let her know of your illness."
"Thank you—thank you."
"But when you are well again, I shall bring her myself to see you. We'll have no more games at hide and seek, Mattie."
"Not yet."
"Why—not yet?" was the quick answer.
"I am no fit companion for her—her father thinks. So it must not be. I have seen her—watched for her several times."
"Ah!—I suppose so. You know that we are engaged, Mattie?" he said; "that was an old wish of yours, Harriet tells me."
"Yes—when are you to be married?"