‘Forewarned is forearmed; don’t let her,’ said Lady William, ‘that is the only thing to say.’
‘But she will be too many for me,’ said Leo, shaking his head yet smiling; ‘I have no confidence in myself.’
‘You are too superstitious; she must not be too many for you; your mother’s son is more to her than her cousin.’
‘Is she her cousin? and am I——’
‘Her son!’ said Lady William, with a laugh; ‘the wonderful question! I don’t think any doubt can be entertained on that subject.’ ‘No, no; I meant am I more strong as son than the other as—— How can I tell what to say?’
‘My dear Leo! A son is stronger than anything in the world.’
‘Except a daughter,’ he said, looking at Mab.
‘It is the same; one’s own child is more to one than all the world beside.’
‘Do you know,’ he said, ‘there is one thing that I think is almost better, that clears away the clouds and brings out the sun, and makes one see him:—and that is you.’ He put his hand upon hers softly, with a momentary touch.
‘That is a friend,’ said Lady William hastily. A little uneasy flush came over her face. She was very conscious, more conscious than was pleasant, of little Mab sewing on sedately, never lifting her eyes.