"Theodosia will not hurt them, child." He could not enter into the girl's feelings.
Lettice shivered, and said, "No."
"Then what are you afraid of?"
"I am not—afraid."
"Not of anything? I don't understand." Dr. Bryant was regarding her attentively.
"It isn't being afraid. She will not hurt anything—of course. It is only—I don't think I can explain. I don't like the things I love so much—to be—to be handled—by—"
"By one whom you do not love! Is that it?"
"Oh, I did not mean—I do want to love Mrs. Bryant."
"I would not give way to that feeling, Lettice."
"I do try not," she murmured.