Helen hesitated: “Mrs. Vance’s friend? Oh, yes; she comes to the Red Cross with Leila Vance.”
“Do you like her?”
In her son’s eyes she was aware of that subtle and unconscious appeal which all mothers of boys are, some day, fated to see and understand.
Sometimes the appeal is disguised, sometimes it is so subtle that only mothers are able to perceive it.
But what to do about it is the perennial problem. For between lack of sympathy and response there are many nuances; and opposition is always to be avoided.
Helen said, pleasantly, that the girl appeared to be amiable and interesting.
“I know her merely in that way,” she continued. “We sit there sewing slings, pads, compresses, and bandages, and we gossip at random with our neighbours.”
“I like her very much,” said Jim.
“She does seem to be an attractive girl,” said his mother carelessly.... “Are you going to Yama Farms for the week end?”