“Agnes!” I said. “I’mafraidyou’renorwell.”

“Yes, yes. Do not mind me, Trotwood,” she returned. “Listen! Are you going away soon?”

“Amigoarawaysoo?” I repeated.

“Yes.”

I had a stupid intention of replying that I was going to wait, to hand her downstairs. I suppose I expressed it, somehow; for after she had looked at me attentively for a little while, she appeared to understand, and replied in a low tone:

“I know you will do as I ask you, if I tell you I am very earnest in it. Go away now, Trotwood, for my sake, and ask your friends to take you home.”