He is just the age now when a boy gets impressions which last him through--" "Yes, the gawky and stumble-over-things age! Piano-stools, rugs, anything that comes in his way.

And the impressions wouldn't do him a bit of good.

They might, in fact, do him harm," and she laughed merrily and spread her fingers to the blaze.

A laugh was often her best shield.
She had in her time dealt many a blow and then dodged behind a laugh to prevent her opponent from striking back.
"But, Lucy, don't you want to do something to help him ?" Jane asked in a pleading tone.
"Yes, whatever I can, but he seems to me to be doing very well as he is.

Doctor John is devoted to him and the captain idolizes him.