"Proud to know me!" he repeated, and then as if Mrs. West's statement held some subtle humour that he alone had seen, he smiled.
"Why do you smile?" asked Dorothy, looking up at him from beneath her lashes.
"Well, it tickled me some."
"What did?" she demanded.
"That anyone should be proud to know me," he said simply.
"Perhaps it's because you've never gingered mother up," said Dorothy pertly.
"Dorothy!" Mrs. West looked anxiously at John Dene, but his eyes were on Dorothy.
"And are you glad to know me?" he demanded
"'Proud' was the word," corrected Dorothy, playing with her fruit knife.
"'Glad' will do," he said, watching her keenly. "Are you glad I'm back."