"It was—it was what Uncle Joseph said," he explained lamely.
"Who is Uncle Joseph?"
"He—I live with him."
"Haven't you got a father or a mother?" A pair of very kind eyes were turned full upon him.
"No."
"Poor boy!"
To Philip's acute distress a small arm was slipped within his own.
"I have a father and a mother," said the little girl. "You may come and see them if you like."
Philip, who intended to cut the whole connection as soon as he could decently escape from the gate, thanked her politely.
"Only don't come without telling me," continued his admonitress, "because Father isn't always in a good temper."