I felt quite alone.

I felt as if the ground were going to open and swallow me up.

I relied on you so much, far more than I knew! I was struck dumb, and rooted to the spot, and knocked all of a heap, in a manner of speaking, as Vincy would say,' Edith went on, laughing.

'But now, you've cured me thoroughly; you're such a _real_ person.' 'Angel!' She still left her hand in his.

Her eyes were very bright, the result of few but salt tears, the corners of her mouth were lifted by a happy smile, not the tantalising, half-mocking smile he used to see.