She glanced at him and away, and he thought that there was something strange in her eyes. After a pause, she said:
“What would you advise?”
“Surely you are happy here. And—and Vere is happy.”
“Vere is happy—yes.”
He realized the thoughtlessness of his first sentence.
“But I must think of Vere’s development. Lately, in these last days, I have been realizing that Vere is moving, is beginning to move very fast. Perhaps it is time to bring her into contact with more people. Perhaps—”
“You once asked my advice,” he interrupted. “I give it now. Leave Vere alone. What she needs she will obtain. Have no fear of that.”
“You are sure?”
“Quite sure. Sometimes, often, the children know instinctively more than their elders know by experience.”
Hermione’s lips trembled.