"I am afraid," he said, beginning their conversation anew, "that even if I am able to keep you with me for a short time, you will find it exceedingly dull."
"I do not mind being dull in the least, father," the boy replied. "Mother is always wanting me to play silly games out in the street, with boys whom I don't like at all."
"I used to see you playing with them often," his father reminded him.
The child looked puzzled. He appeared to be trying to recollect something.
"Daddy, some things in the world seem so funny," he said, thoughtfully. "I know that I used to like to play with Teddy Miles and Dick, hopscotch and marbles, and relievo. Relievo is a very rough game, and marbles makes one very dirty and dusty. Still, I know that I used to like to play those games. I don't want to now a bit. I would rather read. If you are busy, daddy, I shan't mind a bit. Please don't think that you will have to play with me. I want to read, I shall be quite happy reading all the time. Mr. Denschem has given me a list of books. Perhaps you have some of them. If not, couldn't we get some out of a library?"
Burton looked at the list which the boy produced, and groaned to himself.
"My dear Alfred," he protested, "these books are for almost grown-up people."
"Mr. Denschem gave me the list, father," he repeated simply.
After lunch, Burton took the boy round to Mr. Waddington's office. Mr. Waddington was deep in a book of engravings which he had just purchased. He welcomed Burton warmly and gazed with surprise at the child.
"Alfred," his father directed, "go and sit in that easy-chair for a few minutes. I want to talk to Mr. Waddington."
The child obeyed at once. His eyes, however, were longingly fixed upon the book of engravings.
"Perhaps you would like to have a look at these?" Mr. Waddington suggested.
"Thank you very much," he said. "It is very kind of you. I am very fond of this sort of picture."
Burton took Mr. Waddington by the arm and led him out into the warehouse.
"Whose child is that?" the latter demanded curiously.
"Mine," Burton groaned. "Can you guess what has happened?"
"You remember the day I went down to Garden Green? You gave me two beans to give to Ellen and the child. It was before we knew that their action was not permanent."