Our poor invalid evidently felt it a heartless proposition, and would have felt it still more heartless in me to accede to it.

I therefore said I would only go and speak to them a minute, and then come back.

I did but exchange a few words with them, just outside the portico, inhaling the fresh, bracing air as I stood, and then, resisting the earnest and eloquent entreaties of all three to stay a little longer, and join them in a walk round the garden, I tore myself away and returned to my patient.

I had not been absent five minutes, but he reproached me bitterly for my levity and neglect.

His friend espoused my cause.
'Nay, nay, Huntingdon,' said he, 'you're too hard upon her; she must have food and sleep, and a mouthful of fresh air now and then, or she can't stand it, I tell you.