"Do you want ME to starve, too? Right here before your face and eyes?
I haven't eat a mouthful since you did, and I shan't till you DO."

Rebecca Mary slid to the floor with a soft thud of little brown,
bare feet. Slow comprehension dawned in her eyes. "Are***[--]***
did you say YOU was starving, too?"

"Yes"--grimly.

"Does it hurt you--too?"

"Yes"--unsteadily.

"VERY much?"

"YES."

"Why don't you eat something?"

"Because you don't. I'm waiting for you to."

"Shan't you ever?"

"Not if you don't."

Rebecca Mary caught her breath in a sob. "Shall I be--to blame?"
She was moving towards the door now. With an irresistible impulse
Aunt Olivia gathered her in her arms, and covered her lean little
face with kisses.