Maud jumped up to refuse admission; but Mr. Halifax forbade her, and himself went and opened the door. A little child stood there—a little girl of three years old.
Apparently guessing who she was, Guy rose up hastily, and sat down in his place again.
"Come in, little maid," said the father; "come in, and tell us what you want."
"Me want to see Grannie and Uncle Guy."
Guy started, but still he kept his seat. The mother took her grandchild in her feeble arms, and kissed her, saying softly,
"There—that is Uncle Guy. Go and speak to him."
And then, touching his knees, Guy felt the tiny, fearless hand. He turned round, and looked at the little thing, reluctantly, inquisitively. Still he did not speak to or touch her.
"Are you Uncle Guy?"
"Yes."
"Why don't you kiss me? Everybody kisses me," said everybody's pet; neither frightened nor shy; never dreaming of a repulse.