Silence again, the hand struggling persistently, but in vain. The soft bare arm, working against the fence, became an angry red.
"Softly now. It's only me. Didn't you know I was in hospital, Meta?"
"Is it you, Henniker?"
"Indeed it is. You wouldn't begrudge me a small shake of your hand, after all these days?"
"But you are not in hospital now?"
"That's what I am. I'm not in bed, but I'm going on three legs when I'm going at all. I'm a house-bound man." A heavy sigh from Henniker.
"Haven't you shaken hands enough now, Henniker?" beseechingly from the other side. "I only wanted kitty; please put her through the fence."
"What's your hurry?"
"Have you got her there? Callie left her with me. I mustn't lose her. Please?"
"Has Callie gone away?"