“He’s really very clever and kind, at bottom. You’ll come to like him as we all do. And he’s a man that it’s good for you to know.”
Bertram seemed to be considering this.
“Well, what did he mean, anyway?” he snapped.
“Nothing. It’s just his foolery. We all had to take it from him at first—and then we came to appreciate him.” 131
Bertram answered with an impatient gesture. Kate caught his arm, held it for just a second.
“Now, you wouldn’t spoil my day, would you?” she asked softly. “You know I’m responsible for you—”
His frown melted into his smile.
“Sure, if you put it like that!”
“Now, you’re a sensible, accommodating, self-restrained lad, and every other adjective in Samuel Smiles. You could charm the buttons off a policeman—and you’ll see how really nice he can be.”
“You’ll take out time until I get over my grouch?”