“I'll read to them—a few minutes,” I said.
As I took the volume from her and sat down Maude shot at me a swift look of surprise. Even Matthew glanced at me curiously; and in his glance I had, as it were, a sudden revelation of the boy's perplexity concerning me. He was twelve, rather tall for his age, and the delicate modelling of his face resembled my father's. He had begun to think.. What did he think of me?
Biddy clapped her hands, and began to dance across the carpet.
“Father's going to read to us, father's going to read to us,” she cried, finally clambering up on my knee and snuggling against me.
“Where is the place?” I asked.
But Maude had left the room. She had gone swiftly and silently.
“I'll find it,” said Moreton.
I began to read, but I scarcely knew what I was reading, my fingers tightening over Biddy's little knee....
Presently Miss Allsop, the governess, came in. She had been sent by Maude. There was wistfulness in Biddy's voice as I kissed her good night.
“Father, if you would only read oftener!” she said, “I like it when you read—better than anyone else.”....