"You could not do any harm, a child like you! You may do what you like." Mary put her hand up to her throat because she was afraid he might see the excited lump which she felt jump into it.

She came a step nearer to him.
"May I ?" she said tremulously.
Her anxious little face seemed to worry him more than ever.
"Don't look so frightened," he exclaimed.

"Of course you may.

I am your guardian, though I am a poor one for any child.

I cannot give you time or attention.