Would he not?
to please her?
Mrs.Hannaford spoke in a soft, caressing voice, and Piers returned her look of kindness; but he was firm.

An affection had grown up between these two; their intercourse, though they seldom talked long together, was much like that of mother and son.
"You are injuring you health," said Mrs.Hannaford gravely, "and it is unkind to those who care for you." "Wait a few weeks," he replied cheerily, "and I'll make up the health account." "You refuse to come down to please me, this once ?" "I must be alone--indeed I must," Piers replied, with unusual abruptness.

And Mrs.Hannaford, a little hurt, left the room without speaking.
He all but hastened after her, to apologise; but the irritable impulse overcame him again, and he had to pace the room till his nerves grew steady.
Very soon after it was dark he gave up the effort to read, and went to bed.

A good night's sleep restored him.

He rose with the sun, felt the old appetite for work, and when the breakfast bell rang had redeemed more than three good hours.