"William, why are you not in bed and sleeping? Does anything trouble you? You looked so sad when I came in—"
"I am a little perplexed, but not troubled. How came you here, dear? Can you not sleep? Are you ill?"
"No; I went to sleep, directly I went to bed. I dreamed you were here, alone and troubled, and I have little, if any recollection of leaving or coming here, but here I am. William, did you will me to come to you?"
"No, Clarissa; I supposed you were sleeping, and I would not disturb your sleep."
"Then how did I come here? I did not know you were here. I remember dreaming you were here; that is all."
"You must have felt I was lonely, and your goodness of heart brought you here to comfort me. That thought makes me happy. You must go back, or you will take cold."
"But, William, when I first asked you, you said that you were not troubled; now you say you are."
"Only troubled to understand myself, and some scientific problems that have been brought to my attention."
"You are wise, William; I wish you would explain to me some of the things I have seen since I have been ill. Oh! I don't mean right now; tomorrow;—any time when you are not engaged."
"Certainly;—I will do my best. Clarissa, are you happier here than you were before you came back to me?"