'I shouldn't run away,' said Mary solemnly; 'I shouldn't really. I don't want to run away.'
'That's right.'
'Only where is it?' asked Mary.
'Now don't you think it's a very nice place?'
'Oh, very nice!' cried Mary. 'I know what it is,' she added; 'it's all a dream! Only I hope I'm not going to wake again.'
'What nonsense you're talking,' was the answer. 'Of course you are awake, dear.'
'Why do you call me dear?' asked Mary.
'Because I'm very fond of you.'
'But why are you fond of me?' asked Mary. You will notice she rather liked to ask questions when she got the chance, but they had been very seldom answered until now.
'Well, now I wonder why!' was the answer. 'Let me see! Haven't I made you comfortable and given you nice beef-tea and jelly?'