“Thank the dear little boy, Evelyn,” said Miss Felicia giving her nephew a cold glance. “I don’t know what I should have done without his protection. He practically saved my life.”
Mr. Evelyn Courtnay glared still more ferociously at William and muttered threateningly.
“A little child rushing in where grown men fear to tread,” misquoted Miss Felicia sententiously, still beaming fondly at William. “He must certainly stay to dinner after that.”
Mr. Evelyn Courtnay, to his fury, had to provide William with a large meal to which William did full justice, munching in silence except when Miss Felicia’s remarks demanded an answer. Miss Felicia ignored her nephew and talked with fond and grateful affection to William only. It was William who volunteered the information that her nephew taught him Science.
“I hope he’s kind to you,” said Miss Felicia.
William gave her a pathetic glance like one who wishes to avoid a dark and painful subject.
“I—I expect he means to be,” he said sadly.
William departed immediately after dinner. He seldom risked an anticlimax. He possessed the artistic instinct. Mr. Evelyn Courtnay accompanied him to the door.
“No need to talk of this, my boy,” said Mr. Courtnay with elaborate nonchalance.
William made no answer.