18/43 I followed her on tip-toe, and stood near the door behind the screen which shut off the draught from the patient. Sebastian stretched his arms out to her. "Ah, Maisie, my child," he cried, addressing her by the name she had borne in her childhood--both were her own--"don't leave me any more! Stay with me always, Maisie! I can't get on without you." "But you hated once to see me!" "Because I have so wronged you." "And now? It is irreparable, for the past can never be recalled; but I will try my best to minimise it. |