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346 "For what? . . ."

"I've forgotten."

"Why didn't you ask me?"

She had lit the gas.

"You were asleep."

"Don't be angry, Gerrit. I was tired."

"I'm not angry, dear. I didn't like to disturb you."

"Why didn't you wake me?"

"You were asleep."

"You ought to have waked me."

He put out his arms to her:

"Come here, dear."

She came; he drew her to his knees.

"What is it, Gerrit?"

"Darling . . . Line . . . I believe I'm very . . . very ill."

"You've been ill, Gerrit. You're . . . you're getting better now . . ."

"Do you think so? . . ."

"Oh yes!"

"Line, I believe . . . I'm very . . . very . . . ill."

"Why, do you feel worse? . . . It's so cold in here. Come downstairs. We'll make up the fire."

"No, stay here. . . . Tell me, Line: if I died, would you . . ."

"No, no, Gerrit, I can't bear it!"