“But tell me: did you give him a great big beating?”
“Yes, I’m afraid so.”
“Then don’t be afraid any more. It would do him good. There, I was thinking I was going to have the care of a tiresome young, monkey of a boy; but I promised your dear mother, and should have taken you back. But, do you know, Dominic, you and I are going to be great friends.”
“I hope so,” said Nic.
“I’m sure of it. There, I don’t want to know any more about you. I only say that you’re just the lad for over yonder, and your father will be delighted. Now, then: ask me anything you like.”
“May I?”
“To be sure.”
“Then what is my mother like now?”
“Look yonder,” said the lady, pointing to a great mirror. “Now think of your face made thinner and more delicate, and with soft curls of silky grey hair, beside a very white forehead; and a gentle expression, not a hard look, like yours. That’s your mother.”
“And my father?” cried Nic eagerly.