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Charlie said it was all my fault, and if she died Id killed her. I couldnt sleep, so I came to see how she was, and no one knows it but Steve, he said with such a troubled face and voice that the Doctor had not the heart to blame him. Before he could say anything more a feeble voice called Mac! and with a hasty Stay a minute just to please her, and then slip away, for I want her to sleep, the Doctor led him into the room. The face on the pillow looked very pale and childish, and the smile that welcomed Mac was very faint, for Rose was spent with pain, yet could not rest till she had said a word of comfort to her cousin. I knew your funny sneeze, and I guessed that you came to see how I did, though it is very late. Dont be worried, Im better now, and it is my fault I was ill, not yours; for I neednt have been so silly as to wait in the cold just because I said I would. Mac hastened to explain, to load himself with reproaches, and to beg her not to die on any account, for Charlies lecture had made a deep impression on the poor boys mind. I didnt know there was any danger of my dying, and Rose looked up at him with a solemn expression in her great eyes. Oh, I hope not; but people do sometimes go suddenly, you know, and I couldnt rest till Id asked you to forgive me, faltered Mac, thinking that Rose looked very like an angel already, with the golden hair loose on the pillow, and the meekness of suffering on her little white face. I dont think I shall die; uncle wont let me; but if I do, remember I forgave you. She looked at him with a tender light in her eyes, and, seeing how pathetic his dumb grief was, she added softly, drawing his head down, I wouldnt kiss you under the mistletoe, but I will now, for I want you to be sure I do forgive and love you just the same. That quite upset poor Mac; he could only murmur his thanks and get out of the room as fast as possible, to grope his way to the couch at the far end of the hall, and lie there till he fell asleep, worn out with trying not to make a baby of himself. |
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