Sir Everard thought he was not listening. But in a few minutes he spoke.
"I am thinking I should not have minded it so much, if mother were here. I could lie in her arms all day, like I used then (pointing to the picture); but now——"
"You could lie in my arms, my darling."
"In yours, father? you've always got Miles. You never take me in your arms."
"I didn't ever think you would care to come, my little Humphrey."
"Oh! but I often should though; only I knew you would rather have him."
"Oh! hush! hush! When have you wanted to come?"
"Well, not so very often, father—only sometimes—a good while ago."
"But, my child, I would just as soon have had you as Miles. I only take him because he is so small. Why do you say I would rather have him?"