"Love him! Oh, what's the good of talking to a child like you?"
Curiosity overcame Theresa's pride. "I'm nearly twelve, and I've read a lot of books, you know."
"I'll tell you. I must tell someone. He says we may be friends; but there must be no foolishness."
"That's flowers," Theresa said.
"And I can have him to tea if I like. Wouldn't it be stupid?"
Theresa failed her here. "Why?" she said.
"Oh, if you can't see that——" Grace went into the bedroom and locked the door.
Theresa sat on the stairs till supper-time and divided her sympathies fairly, but Edward Webb was conscious of the first serious revolt.
"I believe I did more harm than good," he moaned as he lay in bed.
"I knew you would," Nancy answered, and tears of utter weakness rolled down her cheeks.