I fancy I should be much better in the country, somewhere on the
South Coast. Bournemouth way, what do you think?"
Before Esther could reply William was taken with a fit of coughing, and
his great broad frame was shaken as if it were so much paper.
"I'm sure," said Esther, when he had recovered himself a little, "that a
good deal of your trouble comes from that pipe. It's never out of your
mouth.... I feel like choking myself."
"I daresay I smoke too much.... I'm not the man I was. I can feel it plain
enough. Put my pipe down and blow out the candle.... I didn't ask you how
Sarah was."
"Very bad. She was half dazed and didn't tell me much."
"She didn't tell you where she had pledged the plate?"
"No, I will ask her about that to-morrow morning." Leaning forward she
blew out the candle. The wick smouldered red for a moment, and they fell
asleep happy in each other's love, seeming to find new bonds of union in
pity for their friend's misfortune.
XXXIX
"Sarah, you must make an effort and try to dress yourself."
"Oh, I do feel that bad, I wish I was dead!"
"You must not give way like that; let me help you put on your stockings."
Sarah looked at Esther. "You're very good to me, but I can manage." When
she had drawn on her stockings her strength was exhausted, and she fell
back on the pillow.
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