If I am ill,--one must be ill sometimes,--will you promise to come and take care of me, in spite of all Etta may do or say ?' I hesitated for a moment, for it seemed to me impossible to give an unconditional promise, but she continued reproachfully, 'You cannot have the heart to refuse! I wanted to ask you this before.

You would not, surely, leave me to eat out my heart in this loneliness! If you knew what it is to have Etta with one at such times! an east wind would be more merciful and comforting.

I know I am expressing myself far too strongly, but all this excites me.

Do promise me this, Ursula.

Giles will not hinder you coming: he appreciates you thoroughly: it will only be Etta who may try to oppose you.' Gladys was right; I had not the heart to refuse: so I gave her the required promise, and she grew calmed at once.
'Now that is settled, I can breathe more freely,' she said presently.
'I am afraid I am growing fanciful, but lately I have had such a horror of being ill.