He dropped his voice into rapture.
“You don’t expect me to prefer his society to yours!”
Mrs Martyn, who had quick ears, bestowed a mental smile on the one-sidedness of friendship. Anne looked at him calmly, and remarked—
“You are an extraordinary boy.”
He flushed and asked her not to call him a boy. She answered that she thought him younger now than ever before. “It is only a boy that would have shown so much rashness.”
“How?”
“In hurling yourself upon us, as you have done. Unasked, except by your faithful friend.”
Threat lurked in her voice, and terrified him into instant humbleness.
“Forgive me.”
“If I do, it is because you are what you disclaim, and not quite responsible. The real offender should have remained to take care of you.”