Don't misunderstand me, Mrs.Lascelles.

I don't say that Bob isn't independent in character as well as in his ways, but only that when all's said he's still a boy and not a man.

He can't possibly have a man's experience of the world, or even of himself.
He has a young head on his shoulders, after all, if not a younger one than many a boy with half the assurance that you admire in him." Mrs.Lascelles looked at me point-blank.
"Do you mean that he can't take care of himself ?" "I don't say that." "Then what do you say ?" The fine eyes met mine without a flicker.

The full mouth was curved at the corners in a tolerant, unsuspecting smile.

It was hard to have to make an enemy of so handsome and good-humoured a woman.