“He — he might like to think about him — you know — might like it.”

“He said he must go to Africa in May, so now he must have started — and our wedding was on May-day. Now it’s the last of May; he must be there. He might be obliged to bide in that country a whole month — maybe two. It’s so far away, and his letters take so long to come! Doctor, are they fighting there now? Sometimes I wake in the night and think what if he should die away off there in that far place — ”

“No, no. That’s done. Not fighting, thank God. Rest your heart in peace. Now, after I’m gone, don’t stay up here alone too much. I’m a physician, and I know what’s best for you.”