“Here; you have first bite,” he said.
Helen shook her head, but felt pleased.
“No,” she said. “It is for you.”
“Do,” said the boy, fighting hard with the longing to begin.
“No; eat it yourself.”
“Would he have a bit if I asked him!” said the boy, torturing himself in his generous impulse.
“No, no. You eat it, my boy.”
Once more the cake was within an inch of the bright sparkling teeth, but the bite was not taken. Instead of eating, the boy held out the cake to his hostess.
“Cut it in half, please,” he said; “fair halves.”
“What for?”