"Won't you tell me ?" He remained silent.

It struck him as ridiculous to confess his troubles to a little sister, even if her reports _were_ higher than his.

And the little sister struck him as ridiculous to demand his troubles of him.
"What a soft cheek she has!" he thought as she pressed her face gently against his hand.

If he could but tear himself away--it was all so foolish! Only he might hurt her feelings, and, in his experience, girls' feelings were very easily hurt.
She opened his fingers and kissed the palm of his hand.

It was like a rose-leaf falling; it was also her way of asking her question over again.
"Nothing 's the matter," he said decisively.