Page:The Story of the Gadsbys - Kipling (1888).djvu/82

 —Then leave us alone.

.—Don't mind what she says at first, if you can. They they  they turn against those they love most sometimes in this  It's hard, but

—Am I her husband or art? you? Leave us alone for whatever time we have together.

(confidentially).—And we were engaged quite suddenly, Emma. I assure you that I never thought of it for a moment; but, my little Me!—I don't know what I should have done if he hadn't proposed.

—She thinks of that Deercourt girl before she thinks of me. (Aloud.) Minnie!

—Not from the shops, Mummy dear. You can get the real leaves from Kaintu, and (laughing weakly) never mind about the blossoms Dead white silk is only fit for widows, and I won't wear it. It's as bad as a winding-sheet. (A long pause.)

—I never asked a favour yet. If there is anybody to listen to me, let her know me—even if I die too!

(very faintly).—Pip, Pip, dear.

—I'm here, darling.

—What has happened? They've been bothering me so with medicines and things, and they wouldn't let you come and see me. I was never ill before. Am I ill now?

—You—you aren't quite well.

—How funny! Have I been ill long?

—Some days; but you will be all right in a little time.

—Do you think so, Pip? I don't feel well and Oh! what have they done to my hair?

—I d-d-don't know.

—They've cut it off. What a shame!

—It must have been to make your head cooler.

—'Just like a boy's wig. Don't I look horrid!

—Never looked prettier in your life, dear. (Aside.) How am I to ask her to say good-bye?