Owen hastily opened the door.
“Are you calling, Frankie?”
“Yes. I’ve been calling you quite a long time.”
“What do you want?”
“I want you to come here. I want to tell you something.”
“Well, what is it, dear? I thought you were asleep a long time ago,” said Owen, as he came into the room.
“That’s just what I want to speak to you about. The kitten’s gone to sleep all right, but I can’t go. I’ve tried all different ways, counting and all, but it’s no use, so I thought I’d ask you if you’d mind coming and staying with me, and letting me hold your hand for a little while, and then p’raps I could go.”
The boy twined his arms round Owen’s neck and hugged him very tightly.
“Oh, dad, I love you so much!” he said. “I love you so much I could squeeze you to death.”