In spite of her joy at the chessmen's efficacy in keeping Bertram at home, however, she was almost jealous of them.
"Mr.Arkwright, couldn't you show _me_ how to play, sometime ?" she said wistfully, one evening, when the momentary absence of Bertram had left the two alone together.

"I used to watch Bertram and Marie play years ago; but I never knew how to play myself.

Not that I can see where the fun is in just sitting staring at a chessboard for half an hour at a time, though! But Bertram likes it, and so I--I want to learn to stare with him.

Will you teach me ?" "I should be glad to," smiled Arkwright.
"Then will you come, maybe, sometimes when Bertram is at the doctor's?
He goes every Tuesday and Friday at three o'clock for treatment.

I'd rather you came then for two reasons: first, because I don't want Bertram to know I'm learning, till I can play _some_; and, secondly, because--because I don't want to take you away--from him." The last words were spoken very low, and were accompanied by a painful blush.