She watched him speculatively for a few moments, and wondered what change would come over him when her tale was told. Anger frightened and repelled her; and for all his hastiness she had seldom seen more than a mere spark of his inner fire.
He seemed to have forgotten her existence; and by way of gentle reminder she shifted her position.
"Theo," she said under her breath.
He felt the movement without catching the sound of his name, and turned to her quickly, impulsive speech upon his lips.
"By the way, Ladybird, there's something I want to tell you, and this is a good opportunity."
The coincidence so startled her that her own half-fledged impulse scurried back to its nest. Nor was she certain whether the sigh that escaped her expressed disappointment or relief.
"What is it?" she asked—"something nice?"
The characteristic question set him smiling.
"You must judge for yourself. It chiefly concerns the Boy. You're fond of him, aren't you?"