Winton,
to be the son he should have found for himself long ago. I guess I have
Lily sized up about as close as the next one; and she has got all that is
_good_ for her, right now. She'd make the worst spoiled kid you ever saw
if she had half a chance. What she needs to make a grand woman of her,
like you and mother, is clean air, quiet, good food like she's got here,
with bone as well as muscle in it; and just enough lessons and child play
with children to keep her brains going as fast as her body, and no silly
pampering to make her foolish and disagreeable. I know how little and sick
she is, but she shan't use it for capital to spoil her whole life. See?"
"'Through a glass darkly,'" quoted Mrs. Harding laughing. "Oh Mickey, I
didn't think it of you. You're deeper than the well."
"That's all right," said Mickey, his face flushing. "Often I hear you say
'let good enough alone.' My sentiments exact. Lily is fine, and so am I.
Let us alone! If you and Peter will do me the 'cap-sheaf favour, as he
would say, you'll dust up and _spunk_ up, and the very first hint that
comes--'cause it's coming--at the very first hint of how Miss Leslie would
love to take care of the dear little darling awhile, smash down with the
nix! _Smash like sixty!_ Keep your eyes and ears open, and if you could,
dearest lady, beat them to it: I'd be tickled silly if you manage _that_.
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