He stopped a moment, and she opened her eyes and looked at him inquiringly.
"Oh, Madge," he broke out, "I'm so sorry I took you to that confounded party.

You seemed getting on hopefully until that blasted evening.
You must get well enough to haunt me after your old fashion.

You don't know what a dear little sister you have become, and I didn't know it myself until you were secluded by illness, and all through my fault.
You have barricaded yourself long enough with that stand and its vase of roses.

I'm not going to say good-by at this distance." He removed the stand, and seating himself by her side, he drew her head down upon his shoulder and kissed her again and again.

"There now," he continued, "you look perfectly lovely.