"No, there's nothing, thank you."
This was the way in which I repaid his indulgence and attention! This was a nice return for the care he had taken of me during my illness. I would have given worlds for a good excuse to stay, but Mr. Rutledge seemed determined not to give me any. At last, after everything else had failed, I said, hesitatingly:
"Would it annoy you to have me read aloud to you, sir?"
He would not trouble me on any account, he said.
"But," I answered eagerly, "it is not the slightest trouble. I should like to do it, I assure you."
He would not think of putting such a task upon me.
"But do say," I exclaimed, "whether or not you like reading aloud."
He liked it very much, but begged me not to trouble myself.
That was enough, and in a moment I was by the fire.
"What shall I read, sir?"