“Annie,” said he, stretching forward to take her hand and draw her toward him, “I didn’t mean what I said just now. I was only in fun—at least I didn’t think what I was saying. I—I wanted to see if you would believe me. I know you don’t want me to die; and look here—if you will promise not to go away yet I won’t sit up with George, and I will drink only just what you let me, and I’ll do just what you tell me—till I get well.”
Annie shook her head.
“I will—I swear it! Now you will stay, won’t you? Here—give me your other hand. There! I swear to do just what you tell me—till I get well. Now promise not to go to London. No—you swear, too,” said he, eagerly.
“I promise——”
“No, swear.”
“I swear not to go to London till you are quite well, if you don’t do anything rash. There—I hear the dog-cart. Harry, I must go to the door to meet him.”
“Meet who?”
“George, of course.”
“Confound George!”
But Annie was already out of the room.