Philip began to climb the gate. Then he deliberately stepped down again.
"Aren't you coming?" asked the little girl, with the least shade of anxiety in her voice.
"Yes," said Philip. "But I'll come up on the other side of you. Then I shall be able to keep the wind off you a bit. It's rather cold."
And he did so. Poor Uncle Joseph!
Now they were on the gate together, side by side, actually touching. Philip, feeling slightly dazed, chiefly noted the little girl's hands, which were clasped round her knees. His own hands were broad, and inclined to be horny; hers were slim, with long fingers.
The little girl turned to him with a quick, confiding smile.
"Now tell me why," she commanded.
"Why what?" asked Philip reluctantly.
"Why you went away just now."
Philip took a deep breath, and embarked upon the task of relegating this small but dangerous animal to her proper place in the Universe.