Across its radiance Simeon studied the dull face. “Well!”
The eyes of the boy met his, half-wistfully, it seemed. “She needs me, sir,” he said. Simeon stirred uneasily. “Seen Dr. Blake?”
“Yes, sir. He says he cannot help her.”
“Umph!” Simeon shifted again in his chair. His eye dropped to the pile of papers beside him.
The boy’s hands had reached out to them. Almost instinctively the fingers were threading their way among them, sorting and arranging in neat piles.
Simeon watched the fingers jealously. It was as if he might spring upon them and fasten them there forever. The young man’s eyes traveled about the room, noting signs of disorder. “I can stay today,” he said slowly. He hesitated. “I can stay a week, sir, if you want me.”
“I don’t want you a week.” The man was looking at him savagely. “You must bring them here!” he said.
“Here!” in doubt.
The man nodded. “They can live here as well as anywhere!”
The boy pondered it a minute. He shook his head slowly.