"I am very glad there is somebody to take you. I wish he would come. You want it this minute."
"I don't think I shall let him take me if he comes."
"Whither? and whom?" said another voice.
"I didn't know you were there, sir," said Fleda suddenly rising.
"I am but just here--Rolf admitted me as he passed out."
Coming in between them and still holding the hand of one Mr. Carleton bent down towards the other.
"How is Hugh, to-day?"
It was pleasant to see, that meeting of eyes,--the grave kindliness on the one side, the confident affection on the other. But the wasted features said as plainly as the tone of Hugh's gentle reply, that he was passing away,--fast.
"What shall I do for you?"
"Take Fleda out and give her a good walk. She wants it."