No More Learning

"Now what ought I to do? It looks foolish to go
in. --Oh, bless you, Binkie! " The little terrier thrust Torpenhow's door
open with his nose and came out to take possession of Dick's chair. The
door swung wide unheeded, and Dick across the landing could see Bessie
in the half-light making her little supplication to Torpenhow. She was
kneeling by his side, and her hands were clasped across his knee.

"I know,--I know," she said thickly. "'Tisn't right 'o me to do this,
but I can't help it; and you were so kind,--so kind; and you never took
any notice 'o me. And I've mended all your things so carefully,--I did.
Oh, please, 'tisn't as if I was asking you to marry me. I wouldn't think
of it. But you--couldn't you take and live with me till Miss Right comes
along? I'm only Miss Wrong, I know, but I'd work my hands to the bare
bone for you. And I'm not ugly to look at. Say you will!
"

Dick hardly recognised Torpenhow's voice in reply--"But look here. It's
no use. I'm liable to be ordered off anywhere at a minute's notice if a
war breaks out. At a minute's notice--dear. "

"What does that matter? Until you go, then. Until you go. 'Tisn't much
I'm asking, and--you don't know how good I can cook. " She had put an arm
round his neck and was drawing his head down.

"Until--I--go, then. "

"Torp," said Dick, across the landing. He could hardly steady his voice.

"Come here a minute, old man. I'm in trouble"--

"Heaven send he'll listen to me! " There was something very like an oath
from Bessie's lips. She was afraid of Dick, and disappeared down the
staircase in panic, but it seemed an age before Torpenhow entered the
studio.