"I shall give you your luncheon, and then read you to sleep," she
said, in what David called "her Mother Gamp tone;" but he was too
worn out to resist, and though forgetfulness was not to be obtained,
it was certainly a comfort to lie with closed eyes and listen to
Elizabeth's dear voice, till the twilight compelled her to close the
book, and then she sat by him in silence until he asked her to light
the lamp.
Tea was ready before Mr. Carlyon returned. As he opened the door he
gave a quick, anxious glance at Elizabeth.
"Come in, dad, it is all right," observed David in a weak voice, but
he spoke with his old cheeriness. "Wilful man, and wilful woman too,
must have their way, and I have given in like a good boy."
"That's a dear lad," returned his father, rubbing his cold hands
gleefully together. "I knew you would make him hear reason,
Elizabeth. She is worth the rest of us put together, is she not,
Davie?"
"Mr. Carlyon," interrupted Elizabeth, "David is tired and must not
talk any more, and some one else is tired too." And then she drew up
an easy-chair by the fire and gave Mr.
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