Now you'll get better. He says all you need is rest and care--and
that's exactly what I mean my guest shall have."
Quick tears came to the sick girl's eyes.
"There couldn't be a kinder heart than yours, Miss Billy," she murmured,
"but I couldn't--I really couldn't be a burden to you like this. I shall
go to some hospital."
"But you aren't going to be a burden. You are going to be my friend and
companion."
"A companion--and in bed like this?"
"Well, THAT wouldn't be impossible," smiled Billy; "but, as it happens
you won't have to put that to the test, for you'll soon be up and
dressed. The doctor says so. Now surely you will stay."
There was a long pause. The little music teacher's eyes had left Billy's
face and were circling the room, wistfully lingering on the hangings of
filmy lace, the dainty wall covering, and the exquisite water colors in
their white-and-gold frames. At last she drew a deep sigh.
"Yes, I'll stay," she breathed rapturously; "but--you must let me help."
"Help? Help what?"
"Help you; your letters, your music-copying, your accounts--anything,
everything. And if you don't let me help,"--the music teacher's
voice was very stern now--"if you don't let me help, I shall go home
just--as--soon--as--I--can--walk!"
"Dear me!" dimpled Billy. "And is that all? Well, you shall help, and to
your heart's content, too.
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