"Come on, then, and square the account by doctoring my eyes with the medicine."
"Oh, Theo, don't! It isn't a joke!"
"It is, if I choose to take it so, you dear, foolish little woman!"
She handed him the refilled glass; then, to his surprise, collapsed beside the bed and burst into tears.
"Ladybird, what nonsense!" he rebuked her gently, laying a hand on her head.
"It's not nonsense. It's horrible to be useless and—idiotic, however hard you try. It might easily have been—poison, and I might have—killed you!"
"Only it wasn't—and you didn't!" he retorted, smiling. "You're upset, and worn out from want of sleep; that's all."
She made a determined effort to swallow down her sobs, and knelt upright with clasped hands.
"No, Theo, I'm not worn out; I'm simply stupid. And you're the kindest man that ever lived. But I mustn't cry any more, or you'll get ill again, and then Honor will be really angry!"