Page:The Story of the Gadsbys - Kipling (1888).djvu/85

 of trousers; but then his are so shiny all over, that you really couldn't tell unless you were told. Let's call him in and ask.

(gravely).—No. I don't think he'd like that. 'Your head comfy, Sweetheart?

(faintly, with a sigh of contentment).—Yeth! Gracious Pip, when did you shave last? Your chin's worse than the barrel of a musical-box No, don't lift it up. I like it. (A pause.) You said you've never cried at all. You're crying all over my cheek.

—I—I—I can't help it, dear.

—How funny! I couldn't cry now to save my life. (G. shivers.) I want to sing.

—Won't it tire you? 'Better not, perhaps.

—Why? I won't be ordered about! (Begins in a hoarse quaver):—

Minnie bakes oaten cake, Minnie brews ale, All because her Johnnie's coming home from the sea (That's parade, Pip), And she grows red as rose who was so pale: And "are you sure the church-clock goes?" says she,

(Pettishly.) I knew I couldn't take the last note. How do the bass chords run? (Puts out her hands and begins playing piano on the sheet.)

(catching up hands).—Ah! Don't do that, Pussy, if you love me.

—Love you? Of course I do. Who else should it be? (A pause.)

(very clearly).—Pip, I'm going now. Something's choking me cruelly. (Indistinctly.) Into the dark without you, my heart But it's a lie, dear  we mustn't believe it For ever and ever, living or dead. Don't let me go, my husband—hold me tight They can't whatever happens. (A cough.) Pip—my Pip! Not for always and  so  soon! (Voice ceases.)

''Pause of ten minutes. G. buries his face in the side of the bed, while Ayah bends over bed from opposite side and feels Mrs. G.'s breast and forehead''.