“Hello!” he said. “I been asleep, I guess.”
“Yes, you had a good nap,” Henrietta said.
“Do you remember what happened just before you went to sleep?”
He pretended to be puzzled for a moment. Then memory seemed to return gradually. “That old Schulig came for me,” he said. “Yes, but he's not going to bother you. We 're not going to let him. You did n't mean anything wicked and you shan't be pestered. Lorna was here a minute ago. She has gone down to get you some flowers. She likes you. So does Gay.”
“They're bully, ain't they?” said Lem.
“I think your Aunt Sue likes you too, Lem,” Henrietta said, but the boy's eyes grew sulky at once.
“No, she don't,” he declared. “She hates me.”
“I think she likes you. Perhaps she does not know it herself yet, Lem, but I think she does like you, in her heart.”
“No, she hates me. An' I hate her. I'd rather be in jail than in her house. She's a—” Henrietta leaned a little forward.
“No, she likes you. And you like her. I know you do, Lem. You are very fond of her. She has a good heart and would love to be kind to you. And she will be if she thinks you like her.”