Then just before their fingers would have touched, she quickly clasped her hands around her father's neck and again she buried her face upon his shoulder.
"She doesn't seem to take to you," said Josiah.
"So it seems," said the other dryly.

Reaching around he touched Mary's cheek with the back of his finger.

"Not mad at your uncle, are you, little girl ?" he asked.
"Don't!" said Josiah, speaking with quick concern.

"You're only making her tremble...." The two stared at each other, slightly frowning.

Stanley was the first to catch himself.