No More Learning

"

Torpenhow held the candle within a foot of Dick's eyes, but there was no
light in those eyes. He lit the gas, and Dick heard the flame catch. The
grip of his fingers on Torpenhow's shoulder made Torpenhow wince.

"Don't leave me. You wouldn't leave me alone now, would you? I can't
see. D'you understand? It's black,--quite black,--and I feel as if I was
falling through it all. "

"Steady does it. " Torpenhow put his arm round Dick and began to rock him
gently to and fro.

"That's good. Now don't talk. If I keep very quiet for a while, this
darkness will lift. It seems just on the point of breaking. H'sh!
" Dick
knit his brows and stared desperately in front of him. The night air was
chilling Torpenhow's toes.

"Can you stay like that a minute? " he said. "I'll get my dressing-gown
and some slippers. "

Dick clutched the bed-head with both hands and waited for the darkness
to clear away. "What a time you've been! " he cried, when Torpenhow
returned. "It's as black as ever. What are you banging about in the
door-way? "

"Long chair,--horse-blanket,--pillow. Going to sleep by you. Lie down
now; you'll be better in the morning. "

"I shan't! " The voice rose to a wail. "My God!