“So have I,” said Addie, to make it easier for him.
But he also did not know what to say; and they remained sitting side by side in the dark dining-room, both staring at the shaft of yellow light that streamed across the garden from the villa at the back. Each now knew, however, that the other knew; and Addie threw his arm over his father’s shoulder, almost protectingly.
“It is an idea of Mamma’s, Addie ... that it would be better....”
“For both of you.”
“For me, Mamma thought.”
“And for her too.”
“And you, my boy, what would you think ... if it did come to that ... at last?...”
“If you both consider ... calmly and dispassionately ... that it would be a good thing....”
“And you, you would spend a part of the year with Mamma and a part with me....”
“Yes, of course.”