I shrank from touching her, although I knew she would feel my touch to be gentle.

You have seen, I hope, that Betty was dearer to me than anyone else in the world, and I knew that, apart from the stirring emotions in her own young life, Betty held me in the closest affection.

When she needed me, she would fly the signal.

Of that I felt assured.

Still...
While I was in this state of perplexity, Marigold came in to rouse me and get me ready for the day.
"I've taken the liberty, sir," said he, "to telephone to Telford Lodge to enquire after Mrs.Connor.The maid said she had Mrs.Connor's instructions to reply that she was quite well." The good, admirable fellow! I thanked him.