“I think Mrs. Franks would like you to go and talk to her,” said Ethel.
“No, I don’t think she would,” said William with perfect truth.
“NO, THANK YOU,” SAID
WILLIAM.
The young man took out a shilling and handed it to William.
“Go and buy some sweets, for yourself,” he said.
William put the shilling in his pocket.
“Thanks,” he said. “I’ll go and get them to-night when you’ve all gone.”
There was another and yet deeper silence. Then Ethel and the young man began to talk together again. They had evidently decided to ignore William’s presence. William listened with rapt attention. He wanted to know what you said and the sort of voice you said it in.
“St. Valentine’s Day next week,” said Laurence soulfully.