Connie did not refuse. She made a small meal, and then, opening the bottle of wine with a little corkscrew which had also been sent, kept the precious liquid in readiness to give to Giles should he feel faint.
Eleven o'clock rang out in Big Ben's great and solemn voice. Connie was very much startled when she heard the great notes; but, to her surprise, Giles did not take any notice. He lay happy, with an expression on his face which showed that his thoughts were far away.
"Connie," he said after a minute, "be yer really meanin' to spend the night with me?"
"Oh yus," said Connie, "ef yer'll 'ave me."
"You've to think of your father, Connie—he may come back. He may miss yer. Yer ought to go back and see him, and leave him a message."
"I were thinking that," said Connie; "and I won't be long. I'll come straight over here the very minute I can, and ef Sue has returned——"
"Sue won't come back—not yet," said Giles.
"Why, Giles—how do you know?"
"Jesus Christ told me jest now through the Woice o' Big Ben," said the boy.
"Oh Giles—wot?"