He came slowly, and let himself down with awkward, lumbering movements by her side. His face was darkly sullen. "I don't see any harm in it," he grumbled, "if you don't mind."
"Of course I don't mind!" she said. "I am pleased. As you see, I have no other visitors."
He lifted his heavy eyes to hers. "You'd pack me off fast enough if you had."
"No, I shouldn't. Don't be silly, Robin!" She smiled down upon him. "You are going to stay and have tea with me, aren't you?"
He smiled rather doubtfully in answer. "I'd like to. I don't know if I can though."
"Why shouldn't you?" she questioned.
He folded his long arms about his knees, and murmured something unintelligible.
Juliet looked at her watch. "Mrs. Rickett has promised to bring it in another quarter-of-an-hour, and we will ask her to bring out Freddy too, shall we? You'll like that."
The boy's face brightened a little. He did not speak for a moment or two; then he reached forth a claw-like hand and tentatively fingered her dress. "I don't want Freddy—when I've got you," he muttered.
"Oh, don't you? How kind!" said Juliet.