“No; why should we?” said the doctor.
That we was a cunning stroke of diplomacy, and it made Miss Rosebury start. She shook her head though directly.
“No, Henry Bolter,” she said, firmly, “it cannot be.”
“Cannot be?” he said, despondently.
“No; I could not leave my brother. Let us join them in the garden!”
“I am not to take that for an answer?” cried the doctor.
“Yes,” she replied; “it would be cruel to leave him.”
“But Mary, dear Mary, you do not dislike me!” cried the little doctor. “I’m not much to look at I know; not a very gallant youth, my dear!”
“I think you are one of the best of men! You make me very proud to think that—that you could—could—”
“And you have owned to liking me, my dear?” he whispered. “Say yea. Arthur would soon get used to your absence; and of course, before long we should come back.”