I have given you the money to-night, because I want you to have Primrose sitting by your side and nursing you and comforting you.
When Primrose is with you again you will cease to think those gloomy thoughts about dying.

Now I have something else to add before I leave you." Noel had now taken a very firm hold of Daisy's little hand.

She had been trembling a good deal, but she had certainly grown calmer.
Perhaps the knowledge that she really did possess some money to give to Primrose was comforting her.

Noel felt a sense of distress at disturbing even for her eventual good the child's present calm.

It must be done, however, and he thought a moment how he could most gently deal with her.
"I'm going to tell you a story, Daisy," he said--"a very sad story, and, alas, a true one.