But when he walked home with Doctor Lavendar, after the funeral, he said, "Have you any idea who Johnny Smith belongs to, Doctor Lavendar?"
"Miss Lydia," said Doctor Lavendar, promptly.
To which William King replied, admiringly, "I have never understood how anybody could look as innocent as you, and yet be so chock-full of other people's sins! Wonder if his mother will ever claim him?"
"Wonder if Miss Lydia would give him up if she did?" Doctor Lavendar said.
"She'd have to," William said.
"On the principle that a 'mother is a mother still, the holiest thing alive'?" Doctor Lavendar quoted.
"On the principle of ownership," said William King. "As to a mother being a 'holy thing,' I have never noticed that the mere process of child-bearing produces sanctity."
"William," said Doctor Lavendar, "Mrs. Drayton would say you were indelicate. Also, I believe you know that two and two make four?"
"I have a pretty good head for arithmetic," said William King, "but I only added things up a day or two ago."