“Perfect: the air is so crisp....”

“Marianne....”

“Yes, Uncle....”

“No, not uncle.... You must be my little friend.... Not a niece.... I’ve never had a girl-friend.”

“Your little friend?... But I am!”

“Well, that’s all right.”

“Look, how dark it is in the Wood.... People say it’s dangerous. Is it, Uncle? No, I didn’t mean to say uncle....”

“Sometimes. Are you frightened? Take my arm.”

“No, I’m not frightened.”

“Come, take my arm.”