"Really, do you want me to go, too?"
"Of course. Shall I call Patrick to bring the chair?"
"I've my whistle, you know." He played with it irresolutely. "Are you sure I won't be in the way?"
"What nonsense!"
She stood leaning on the mantel while Patrick made ready the chair. Then, moved by some sudden sense of delicacy, she busied herself with her own wraps when the man bent down and lifted his young master in his strong arms. Since the first day of their meeting, she had never seen Billy moved, and she was struck more keenly than at first with the contrast between the utter limpness of his lower limbs and the bright activity of the rest of the boy. For an instant, her heart gave a quick thump, half of pity, half of loyalty and protecting affection. Then she laid her hands on the bar of Billy's chair.
"That's all, Patrick," she said, nodding up at the tall man beside her.
Patrick surveyed her approvingly. He was critical by nature, and his smiles were rare; but he liked Theodora for her kindness to his young master, and he unbent something of his majesty before her, rather to the surprise of Mrs. Farrington, who was quite accustomed to seeing her guests quail before the glance of her serving-man.
"Sha'n't I be going with you, Miss Theodora?" he asked.
"Of course. What do you suppose I am going to do without you?" Billy answered.
But Theodora interposed.