"No, dear; just a woman who understands babies better than a man could."
"Well?"
"I think the boy gets on your nerves, Cecil, and——"
"He does. Cross-grained little beggar."
"Yes, he is cross-grained. But harshness only makes him worse. He's one of those natures that can only be controlled by love."
"Like yours, eh?"
"Exactly."
Chesney thrust his hands deep into his pockets and smiled. It was an ugly, secretive smile.
"What the little monkey needs is a good thrashing," said he.
Sophy struggled desperately to keep her voice natural. Her heart was beginning to beat so fast that she felt her voice must surely tremble.