Malcolm, who knew young men were seldom welcome at 27 Queen's Gate, was secretly amazed at the graciousness with which Cedric was received.
Mrs.Herrick's stoicism was not proof against the lad's handsome face and deep melancholy.

Her manner softened and grew quite motherly; and as for Anna, Malcolm took her to task at last, when he found that Cedric was in the habit of going over to Queen's Gate at all hours in the day.
Anna thought Malcolm was serious, and flushed up in quite a distressed manner at his bantering tone.
"Mother asked him," she said, defending herself quite anxiously.

"It is so dull for him at Cheyne Walk while you are in town, and so mother said he could come here to luncheon whenever he liked." "That was kind of her," returned Malcolm; "but as for dulness, there is not a more jovial old fellow than Goliath of Gath.

He and Verity would look after him right enough during my absence.

Cedric used to be quite chummy with them when he was with me before." "Yes, I know, dear, but Mr.Templeton says things are so different this time.