"But, my dear girl!... _What_ things? I assure you it's pure fancy! Look here," he said resolutely, "tell me what you've been doing with yourself this past week, and I'll bet I can tell you what's the matter with you! In the first place, have you had proper meals?" "All I wanted, thank you." "That means eggs, I expect. You haven't a headache, have you?" "Only quite a slight one. No, please don't brush my hair; if you wouldn't mind getting me a drink of water instead----" "But," said Cosimo presently, bending solicitously over her with the water he had fetched, "I used to be able to stroke your headaches away. Do let me try----" "No, thank you so awfully much, Cosimo--I don't think it would do this one any good--and I really think you ought to be going now. I shall go to bed." "Is it made?" "I don't know. Would you mind giving me a hand up? I expect I shall be all right again in the morning----" He helped her weary but enduring form to the curtained corner where the bed lay. Then he looked anxiously at her. He stood irresolute. "I'll put you a jug of water by your side, shall I?" "Yes, please, and Tchekoff--the little book there----" "Oh, come, reading in bed's the very worst thing you can do!" "Perhaps Tchekoff'll buck me up. He _is_ stimulating. You haven't read him? You should. I feel I need him to-night. Thank Heaven, one can always have the companionship of these men through their works.... When are you going away again? I suppose you'll be giving up the studio in March? I shall go out for a long walk to-morrow by myself. I'll prop the door up after you, but it really didn't matter; there's nothing anybody would come for. Thank you so much for mending it, though, and for the glass of water. I'm quite all right now. Good night, Cosimo----" She had crossed the floor again. They held the tottering door up between them. "Stupid not to have waited till Monday," Cosimo was muttering; "look here, shall I try to fix it up again as it was? Afraid the screwholes wouldn't hold, though; they'll have to be plugged.... Then put something heavy against it inside--your chest of drawers or something--won't you?" "Oh, very well, if you wish." "I was a fool not to wait till Monday.... You're all right?" "Perfectly." "I shall come round in the morning to see how you are.... Good night." He was peering round the edge of the door. "Good night."