“Very well, my love,” responded Lady Danby sadly.
“Take Dexter Grayson and show him your games, and your pony, and then you can take him round the garden, but don’t touch the boat.”
“No, pa,” said Edgar slowly.
“He’s a little shy, Dexter,” said Sir James.
“No, I ain’t, ma,” said Edgar, in a whisper.
“We are very glad to see you, Dexter,” continued Sir James. “There, now, go and enjoy yourself out in the garden, you’ll find plenty to see. Come, Eddy.”
Master Edgar looked slowly and sulkily up at his father, and seemed to hesitate, not even glancing at his visitor.
“Well!” said Sir James sharply. “Why are you hesitating? Come: run along. That way, Dexter, my lad. You two will soon be good friends.”
Dexter tried to smile, but it was a very poor apology for a look of pleasure, while Sir James, who seemed rather annoyed at his son’s shrinking, uncouth conduct, laid his hand upon the boy’s shoulder and led him into the conservatory.
“Come, Eddy,” he said bluffly.