I have two things to ask of you now.

One I even command, the other I beg as a precious boon." "Before you ask," said I, "I will obey the command, for you have a right to command anything; and I will grant the boon, for nothing I can give you can come up to what I would fain give you." She smiled gently at that and said-- "Wait till you hear, Humphrey.

My command is that you quit not London at present." "I understand," said I, "and had already resolved that only your command should move me hence." "That makes me happier," said she, with a sigh of relief.

"Now for the boon.

What if I asked you to spare me Jeannette for a season ?" I think I looked so taken aback by that, that she had it on her lips to take back the request.