"Stay with me and, when he comes in, tell him what will keep him from looking in or speaking to me.

Promise!" She was growing wild again.

"Promise, if you would be of any use to me." "I do promise." At which I felt her hand grasp mine with grateful pressure.

"Don't you wish some assistance from me?
Your dress--I tried to loosen it, but failed to find the end of the cord.

Shall I try again ?" "No, no; that is, I will do it myself." I did not see how she could, for her waist was laced up the back, but I saw that she was too eager to have me go to remember this, and recognizing the undesirability of irritating her afresh, I simply asked if she wished me to remain within call.
But even this was more than she wanted.
"No.