You want all your time to read with him, and take walks and drives; that is, if there are any carriages at St.
Helen's.

Don't let Mrs.Watson seize upon you, Clover.

I'm awfully afraid that she means to, and I can see that she is a real old woman of the sea.
Once she gets on your back you will never be able to throw her off." "She shall not get on my back," said Clover, straightening her small figure; "but doesn't it seem _unnecessary_ that I should have an old woman of the sea to grapple with as well as Phil ?" "Provoking things are apt to seem unnecessary, I fancy.

You mustn't let yourself get worried, dear Clovy.

The old lady means kindly enough, I think, only she's naturally tiresome, and has become helpless from habit.
Be nice to her, but hold your own.