"And so have I. Since we parted I have been lonely—desolate. I let my pride and my obstinacy come between us—but I have been punished."
She had drawn a chair to the bed-side, and sitting down took his hand in hers. It was hot, feverish.
"You are very ill, I fear."
"I shall be better now," he murmured. "It is worth much to have you beside me."
I looked at the face of the Disagreeable Woman. I saw upon it an expression I had never seen before—an expression that made her look ten years younger. I could not have believed in the tenderness, the heart-warmth which it showed.
"Philip," she said, "you must get well for my sake."
"And if I do?" he asked, eagerly.
"It shall be as you wish."
He closed his eyes, and a look of happiness and content lighted up his features. But soon there was a change. It was evident that the excitement had been too much for him.