Shall I ?" The child beamed with delight.

This proffered friendship roused her from all her evil dreams of taciturn hatred.

Still she shook her head and answered: "No, I don't want you to fight on my account.

You'd have too much to do.

Besides which, there are persons from whom you cannot protect me." Silvere wished to declare that he would defend her against the whole world, but she closed his mouth with a coaxing gesture, as she added: "I am satisfied to have you as a friend." They then conversed together for a few minutes, lowering their voices as much as possible.