Haven't you spoken about it to your father?'
'Yes. But he is so kind to me that he won't hear of work at all. It
was partly on that account that I took the step of appealing to you.
He doesn't know who I am meeting here to-night. Would you--I don't
know whether I ought to ask--but perhaps if you spoke to him in a
day or two, and made him understand how strong my wish is. He dreads
lest we should be parted, but I hope I shall never have to leave
him. And then, of course, father is not very well able to advise
me--about work, I mean. You have more experience. I am so helpless.
Oh, if you knew how helpless I feel!'
'If you really wish it, I will talk with your father--'
'Indeed, I do wish it. My coming to live here has made everything so
uncomfortable for him and the children. Even his friends can't visit
him as they would; I feel that, though he won't admit that it's made
any difference.'
Sidney looked to the ground. He heard her voice falter as it
continued.
'If I'm to live here still, it mustn't be at the cost of all his
comfort. I keep almost always in the one room. I shouldn't be in the
way if anyone came. I've been afraid, Mr.
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