The Place's English superintendent had promised like treatment to the man, should he catch him ill treating Sonya.
Wherefore, Ruloff had perforce curbed his parental urgings toward violence;--at least during the hours when he and the child were on the Place.
Sonya was an engaging little thing; and the Mistress had made a pet of her.

So had the Master.

But the youngster's warmest friend was old Sunnybank Lad.
From the first day of Sonya's advent in his life, Lad had constituted himself her adorer and constant companion.
Always his big heart had gone out to children; as to everything weak and defenseless.

Not always had his treatment at the hands of children encouraged this feeling of loving chivalry and devotion.

But Sonya was an exception.