He withdrew one hand and held it out to me across the children’s heads, smiling and apologetic.
“I’m afraid I am looked upon as an obstacle. Please don’t let me detain you. I would not disappoint them for the world. I can call another day.”
But by this time fear had given place to gratitude and the quick affection which children show to grown-ups who understand! Winifred and Marion leapt at his arms, clung, wheedled, and implored.
“You come too! You come too! Show us the bird that talks. We want you. We want you to come with us. Miss Harding wants you. You do want him, don’t you, Miss Harding?”
The leap of my heart showed that I did! The very suggestion had been enough to give an altogether different aspect to the expedition; to invest it with a spice of adventure, not to say romance, which was most refreshing to a spinster living in a basement flat! I fought down an inclination to laugh, hoped that I conquered an inclination to blush, and said primly:—
“My dears, you must not be exacting. Mr Milestone has no doubt engagements—”
“Not one!” he contradicted eagerly. “Not one! Please let me come, Miss Harding. It would be a charity, for if you turn me away I shall be at a loose end all the afternoon. I am like a fish out of water in town!”
“You should return to the country,” I said sternly. “It is wasting time to remain here.”
The children caught at the last sentence, naturally applied it to their own plans, and pranced with renewed impatience.
“Yes! Yes! You said directly after lunch. Put on your hat, Miss Harding—do put it on! We want to see the bird.”