“I knew the thought of letting her go would affect you, Mr. Grandoken,” soothed Theodore. “That’s why I came alone. Jinnie’s so tender-hearted I feared the sight of your first grief might cause her to refuse.”
“Does she know you was goin’ to ask us this?” demanded Peg suspiciously.
Mr. King shook his head.
“Of course not! If she had, she and I would have asked it together.”
“God bless ’er!” murmured Lafe. “You see it’s like this, sir: Peg and me don’t want to stand in her light.”
“I won’t let my Jinnie go,” sighed Bobbie. “I haven’t any stars when she’s gone.”
“The poor child’s devoted to her,” excused Lafe. “That’s what makes him act so about it.” 203
Theodore’s sympathy forced him to his feet.
“So I see,” said he. “Come here, young man! I want to talk to you a minute.”
Reluctantly Bobbie left Mrs. Grandoken, and Theodore, sitting again, took him on his knee.