"Can't walk!" Theodore exclaimed in horrified accents. "Can't walk! oh, how dreadful!"
As Theodore spoke, Jack thought it was very dreadful too.
He turned his face aside, but not in time to hide the tears in his eyes.
"You had better send Theodore away," Mr. Barton said to his wife. "I am afraid he is upsetting Jack."
"I did not say anything to make him cry!" Theodore exclaimed indignantly, turning his fearless eyes on his father's face.
"No, no," Mrs. Barton said soothingly. "But Jack is tired with the journey, so I think I will put him to bed."
"Yes," said Jack, looking round, and smiling through his tears. "I am tired. Do come and see me when I am in bed, Theodore." And Theodore promised.
"Well, and what do you think of Mrs. Barton?" asked Jane, as Theodore joined her in the nursery.
"I don't know," the child answered gravely.
He seated himself on the window-sill, and looked out dreamily.