We only have our evenings to be together; and I cannot bear then to be robbed of your company.

Don't go out, John; that's a good, dear husband." And Mrs.Wilkinson, in the earnestness of her desire to keep her husband at home, laid aside her sewing, and rising, approached and leaned her hands upon his shoulder, looking up with an affectionate, appealing expression into his face.
"You're a dear, good girl, Mary," said Mr.Wilkinson, tenderly, and he kissed the pure lips of his wife as he spoke.

"I know it's wrong to leave you alone here.

But, I won't be gone more than half an hour.
Indeed I won't.

See, now;" and he drew forth his watch; "it is just eight o'clock, and I will be home again precisely at half-past eight, to a minute." Mrs.Wilkinson made no answer; but her husband saw that tears were in the eyes fixed so lovingly upon him.
"Now don't, love," said he, tenderly, "make so much of just half an hour's absence.