Instead of getting angry, Mr. Walkingshaw seemed merely astonished and interested.
"Perhaps it was the way I did it," he suggested.
She looked up quickly.
"Yes," she answered.
"Well, my dear, I have lately discovered that I shall never be too old to learn. Just tell me how you'd like to be treated, and I'll try to manage it. I am very fond of you, Jean."
Her mouth lost its obstinacy; her eyes and voice grew kind.
"Father dear, if only you'd show it! If only—"
He interrupted her by a resounding kiss.
"More that kind of way?" he smiled.
For answer she threw her arms round him and gave him what he immediately decided to be the pleasantest hugging he had ever enjoyed. This was a method of doing his duty that must certainly be repeated; he had no doubts about that. It led to such surprising results, too. In a few minutes he found himself embarked upon the most charmingly confidential conversation.