"Yes. But Sally.... I...." He was overcome, and could not proceed. Tears had started to his eyes. "I haven't been sleeping. I've been thinking. Last night...."
"Last night!" Sally convulsively jerked her hands away, and as quickly restored them.
"You thought I'd ... I'd ... been ... been spying."
"Of course you weren't. I was ill. I was a beast."
"Sally, I never did. You ... you have a lot.... I've been thinking ... a lot to put up with. Marrying a ... a sick man; and you...."
Sally could not bear him to talk thus. She freed herself, and rose.
"Here's a lot of talk!" she protested. "You get well, old son. Then we'll see."
Gaga did not say anything for a moment. At last he spoke again.
"Sally, would you ... would you mind very much if I did ... didn't get well?" he asked.
"Course I should!" But Sally was filled with alarm at this conversation. She turned upon Gaga, but she could not meet his soft eyes. "Here, you're talking silly!"