“I know,” said Ralph.
“You will have Mrs Temple to look after you.”
“I know,” said Ralph again.
“And being a manly boy, you won’t fret.”
“’Course not,” said Ralph. Whatever feeling there was in his heart, he would not let it come to the surface. “I is your own boy,” he said, after a pause. “You didn’t fret ever, did you?”
“Not to show it,” replied Mr Durrant, after a minute’s pause.
“Sank ’oo,” said Ralph. “I understand,” he repeated.
“Well, my dear boy, that part is all right: but now, to be frank with you: I prefer Robina.”
“And I like Harriet,” said Ralph.
“Do you think, Ralph, that a little boy so young as you are is the best judge of who ought really to be his companion?”