Please lead me to the staircase, Cousin Malcolm.

Thank you." She was weeping gently when she started up the steps, and I knew that she was going to fetch me her little treasure of gold.
Madge held up the skirt of her gown with one hand while she grasped the banister with the other.

She was halfway up when Dorothy, whose generous impulses needed only to be prompted, ran nimbly and was about to pass her on the staircase when Madge grasped her gown.
"Please don't, Dorothy.

Please do not.

I beg you, do not forestall me.