"He came into the house after me. I'm going back to tease him."
"Oh, do leave the poor thing alone."
"No, I shan't. He'd be disappointed."
Helen stood by the fire and watched the kettle and listened to the noises in the schoolroom. Then a shuffling step came down the passage and Daniel spoke.
"Can I help you?"
"Thank you very much." She knew that he had come for refuge and she filled the teapot and put it into his hands. "Don't drop it."
"I'll be careful," he said humbly.
Walking in the trail of the tea he spilt, she followed him with the kettle. She had not the heart to scold him, and at the dining-room door he let out a sharp sound.
"Oh, dear, has it gone through your boot?" she asked, checking her laughter.
"I should just think it has!"