Ralph looked kindly at him.
“Some of the children run from me,” he said. “It is not strange, perhaps, for I look savage, I suppose, but you do well to trust me. I will be your friend, and that is something I have not said to any living being for years. I like your face. It is brave and true.”
“Thank you for your favorable opinion, Mr.—” Here Herbert paused in uncertainty, for he had never heard Ralph's surname.
“Call me Ralph. I have done with the title of \ civilization. Call me Ralph. That will suit me best.”
“Thank you for your kindness, then, Ralph.”
“What is your name?”
“Herbert—Herbert Mason.”
“Then, Herbert, I think you must be hungry. Have you eaten your dinner?”
“No,” said Herbert.
“Then you shall share mine. My food is of the plainest, but such as it is, you are welcome. Come in.”