Lee allowed herself to be overborne, and fell asleep. Mrs. Tarleton opened her eyes suddenly to meet a hypnotic stare. Cecil did nothing by halves.
Mrs. Tarleton smiled faintly, then put out her hand and patted his.
“You are a good boy, Cecil,” she said.
The good boy reddened haughtily. “I’m not trying to be thought a milksop,” he remarked.
“Oh, I know, I know! I mean most boys are selfish. I knew you would bring Lee safely back.”
“I wouldn’t mind if you said you forgave me.”
“I do. I do. Only please don’t do it again.”
He gave her the medicine. She closed her eyes, but he saw that she did not sleep. Occasionally she frowned and sighed heavily. Finally she opened her eyes again.
“I wish you were a little older,” she said abruptly.
He sat up very straight. “I’m quite old,” he said thickly. “I’m much older than Lee.”