Stranica 182 [182]
162 LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY.
a es aes ee”
I always detested children— my own more than the rest. I am
fond of this one; he is fond of me” (with a bitter smile). ‘I am
not popular; I never was. But he is fond of me. He never was
afraid of me—he always trusted me. He would have filled my
place better than I have filled it. I know that. He would have
been an honor to the name.”
He bent down and stood a minute or so looking at the happy,
sleeping face. His shaggy eyebrows were knitted fiercely, and yet
somehow he did not seem fierce at all. He put up his hand,
pushed the bright hair back from the forehead, and then turned
away and rang the bell.
When the largest footman appeared, he pointed to the sofa.
“ Take”—he said, and then his voice changed a little —" take
Lord Fauntleroy to his room.”