“Afraidments?” he repeated perplexedly. “I am not sure I understand.”
“Don’t tease, Arthur; it’s a very good word,” interposed Mrs. Winthrop quickly. “It seems to have a different meaning from fear.”
“Come up here, David,” bade Mr. Winthrop, “and let me see what there is in you to inspire one with no ‘afraidments’.”
The boy came up on the steps, and did not falter under the keen but good-humored gaze.
“Do you like to play with little girls, David?”
“I like to play with these little girls,” admitted David. 104
“And what do you like to do besides that?”
“I like to shoot.”
“Oh, a hunter?”
“No; I like to shoot at a mark.”