Bodet took up his hat. “I think I’ll go down to the beach,” he said soberly.
Uncle William’s eye followed him.
“You don’t think I’m scoldin’ ye, Benjy, do you?”
Bodet paused beside him and laid a hand on the great shoulder. “I’d rather have you scold me, William, than have any other man I know praise me.”
Uncle William’s mouth remained open a little and the smile played about it. “I do’ ’no’ why you say that, Benjy. I ain’t any different from anybody—’cept’t I’m fond of ye,” he added.
“You’re fond of everybody,” declared Bodet laughing.
Uncle William’s face grew guilty. “There’s Harr’et,” he said slowly. “Some days I can’t even abide Harr’et!”