Mrs. Harding and
Mickey wrapped Peaches in the sheet and took along a comfort for shelter
from the air stirred by motion. Steadying his arm, which he wished she
would not, they descended. Did she think he wanted Peaches to suppose he
couldn't carry her? He ran down the last flight to show her, frightening
her into protest, and had the reward of a giggle against his neck and the
tightening of small arms clinging to him. He settled in the car and
wrapped Lily in the comfort until she had only a small peep of daylight.
Mickey knew from Peaches' laboured breathing and the grip of her hands how
agitated she was; but as the car glided smoothly along, driven skilfully
by mentality, guided by the controlling thought of a tiny lame back, she
became easier and clutched less frantically. He kept the comfort over her
head. She had enough to make the change, to see so many strangers all at
once, without being excited by unfamiliar things that would bewilder and
positively frighten her.
Mickey stoutly clung to a load that soon grew noticeably heavy; while over
and over he repeated in his heart with fortifying intent: "She is my
family, I'll take care of her.
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