“Yes, very much, my child,” said Charley quietly. “Do you want me to do something for you?”
“No,” said Nelly; “I only want to say something.”
“Go on, then.”
“You will not be cross?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, yes, my child,” said Charley sadly.
“It’s about that I wanted to talk to you,” said Nelly. “I don’t like seeing you so low and dumpy when you ought to be jolly and happy. You know you are miserable about some one that I got to love very—very much.”
Charley was silent; but his breath came thick and fast.
“And do you know, I’m sure that, if she had been left alone she would have been all that’s wise and good and dear? May I go on?”