"Well, dear, keep it for next time. Now I want, as I said, a little counsel about John."
"And about Leila, James. Something has got to be done."
The Squire said ruefully, "Yes, I suppose so. I do not know that anything needs to be done. You saw John's condition before dinner. He had a swollen nose and fair promise of a black eye. I asked you to take no notice of it. I wanted first to hear what had happened. I got Leila on the porch and extracted it by bits. It seems that Tom was rude to Leila."
"I never liked your allowing him to play with the children, James."
"But the boy needs boy-company."
"And what of Leila? She needs girl-company."
"I fear," said Rivers, "that may be the case."
"It is so," said Mrs. Ann decisively, pleased with his support. "What happened, James?"
"I did not push Leila about what Tom did. John slapped his face and got knocked down. He got up and went at Tom like a wildcat. Tom knocked him down again and held him. He said that John must say he had had enough."
"He didn't," said Rivers, "I am sure he didn't."