“They told you that one day I would marry some one who was very beautiful, like a princess in a fairy tale, and that I should not care for you any more?”
“Yes, oh, yes, that was the worst of all!”
“I have also heard all this, but it is not true.”
“Not even a word, brother?”
“Not even a word.”
“And you want me for always?” said the child, now standing before him and searching the man’s very soul with his solemn brown eyes.
“Only God and your mother know how much.”
“Can I bring my bed right in here close to yours, and put my story-books in the little shelves by yours, and just keep that big lonely room to play in when it’s wet? Yes?”
Then, clasping his arms tight around the man’s neck in an ecstasy of relief, he whispered, “Can I have one more wish, just one more?”
“What is it, Boy? You must name it first, in fair play, you know.”