Page 294 (1/2)

"Do--do you think so? Do you think it would have been any use?"

Nell rose, and brought some milk and water for him

"I--I don't know," she said "I--I think, if he felt that he wanted theain; and that--that--he ht----"

He raised himself on his elbow and looked at her fixedly, his breath

co hers

"Ah!" he said "You think that if he cas, she would have given them to him out of sheer pity! Is

that it?"

Nell shook her head

"One can't i such a cur, such a fool, as to do it!" he

said, sinking back "And yet that is what I am! See hoeak and

cowardly I aain trouble you

with my love; that I would be content to be your friend--your friend

only; and yet a few days' sickness, and I a you to take compassion on me! And you'd do it!--yes, I knohat

you meant when you said that the ain!--out of womanly pity you would! Oh, shae of my weakness!"

"Hush, hush!" she said brokenly "I meant what I said; I--I----" She

tried to se my mind!"