"Because I wish it," I said, making him sit down.
"Is that a reason?"
"The best of all—for it will make you stay."
He did not say yes; but then, he did not say no.
"Stay! stay!" he repeated with an impatient sigh. "What for? You do not want me."
"Indeed, I do," I replied, triumphantly, "I want you much, very much, just now."
"What for?"
"To advise me about Mr. Thornton."
"Ah! what of him?" exclaimed Cornelius, with a sudden start.
"Nothing," I replied, sorry to have said so much.