“But I shouldn’t be,” said Max, laughing.
“Yes, do call me a beast, and forgive me. I don’t mean it, for I do like you, Maxy, honour bright!”
“I want you to like me,” said the lad gravely.
“Well, I do. I’m as sorry as can be that I tried to frighten you, and laughed at you. I’ve been sorry lots of times since I’ve been lying here; and you will not take any notice of what I said?”
“Is it likely?” cried Max eagerly.
“Not with you, I suppose,” said Kenneth thoughtfully; “but I’m afraid I should think a lot about it.”
“I shall not,” said Max, “so say no more.”
“Then let’s talk about something else; it keeps me from thinking how miserable and weak I am. I say, old Scood always pretended to be so very fond of me; don’t you think he might have come up and seen me?”
“You know he has always been trying.”
“Oh, ah! so I do. I forgot.”