"All but. I'm waiting to put a crown upon his head."
"Were you by any chance making it—the crown?"
"I haven't even begun to make it."
"I shan't spoil him then if I stay?"
"No. I doubt if anything could spoil him now."
"You've got him so safe?"
"So safe. And yet, Nicky, there are moments when I can hardly bear to think of Hambleby for fear he shouldn't be all right. It's almost as if he came too easily."
"He couldn't. All my best things come," said Nicky "—like that!"
A furious sweep of Nicky's arm simulated the onrush of his inspiration.
"Oh, Nicky, how splendid it must be to be so certain."