“Ask him what he wants, Mother.”
Nedda smothered down a cry. But Kirsteen, tightening her clasp of him and looking steadily into that corner, answered:
“Nothing, my boy. He's quite friendly. He only wants to be with you for a little.”
“But I can't do anything for him.”
“He knows that.”
“I wish he wouldn't, Mother. I can't be more sorry than I have been.”
Kirsteen's face quivered.
“My dear, it will go quite soon. Love Nedda! See! She wants you!”
Derek answered in the same quiet voice:
“Yes, Nedda is the comfort. Mother, I want to go away—away out of England—right away.”