She took it in both of hers and held it.
There was a long silence. A faint colour fluttered in his leaden cheek.
"I never knew such a wind," he said. "It's stronger than anything in the world, and it blows and blows, and I go hopping before it like a leaf. I have to go. I really can't stay."
"You are much better. You will soon be able to get up."
"I don't know where I'm going, but I don't care. I don't want to get up. I'm tired—tired."
"You must not talk any more."
"Yes, I must. I have things to say. You are holding my hand tight, Annette?"
"Yes. Look, I have it safe in mine."
"I ought not to have brought you here. You were in despair, and I took advantage of it. Can you forgive me, Annette?"
"Dear Dick, there is nothing to forgive. I was more to blame than you."