“What is that?”
“Live and grow well.”
“I wish I could; but that is just what I can't do. I'm on my way home.”
“I would gladly go with you!”
“Why?”
Richard made no answer, and silence followed. Arthur got up.
“Ally will be home,” he said, “and thinking me too ill to get along!”
“Let's go then!” said Richard.
When they entered Everilda street, they saw Alice on the door-step, looking anxiously up and down. The moment she caught sight of them, she ran away along the street. Richard would have followed her, but Arthur held him, and said,
“Never mind her to-night, Richard! She don't know that you know. I will tell her; and when you come again, you will find her different. Go now, and come as soon as you can—at least, I mean, as soon as you like.”