the birds are coming to look at it because it is so safe and still. And
perhaps perhaps perhaps very softly and slowly indeed, the robin has
found a mate and is building a nest.
And Colin was asleep.
CHAPTER XVIII.
THA MUNNOT WASTE NO TIME
Of course Mary did not waken early the next morning. She slept late
because she was tired, and when Martha brought her breakfast she told
her that though Colin was quite quiet he was ill and feverish as he
always was after he had worn himself out with a fit of crying. Mary ate
her breakfast slowly as she listened.
He says he wishes tha would please go and see him as soon as tha
can, Martha said. It s queer what a fancy he s took to thee. Tha did
give it him last night for sure didn t tha? Nobody else would have
dared to do it. Eh! poor lad! He s been spoiled till salt won t save
him. Mother says as th two worst things as can happen to a child is
never to have his own way or always to have it. She doesn t know which
is th worst. Tha was in a fine temper tha self, too. But he says to
me when I went into his room, Please ask Miss Mary if she ll please
come an talk to me? Think o him saying please! Will you go, Miss?
I ll run and see Dickon first, said Mary. No, I ll go and see Colin
first and tell him I know what I ll tell him, with a sudden
inspiration.
She had her hat on when she appeared in Colin s room and for a second
he looked disappointed. He was in bed. His face was pitifully white and
there were dark circles round his eyes.
I m glad you came, he said. My head aches and I ache all over
because I m so tired. Are you going somewhere?
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