Mr.Andrewes saw this, however, and wanted to fasten a table-napkin round me, to which I objected.
"Too like a pinafore, eh ?" said he, with a sly laugh.
"I don't think I ought to wear pinafores now," I said, in a grave and injured tone.

"Leo Damer doesn't, and he's not much older than I am.
But I think," I added, candidly, "he rather does as he likes, because he's got nobody to look after him." The parson laughed, and then gave a heavy sigh.
"I wish my mother could come back, and tie a pinafore round my neck!" he exclaimed, abruptly.

Then I believe he suddenly remembered that I had lost my mother and was vexed with himself for his hasty speech.

I saw nothing inconsiderate in the remark, however, and only said, "Is your mother dead ?" "Yes, my boy.

Many years ago," said Mr.Andrewes.
"Did your father marry anybody else ?" I inquired.
"My father died before my mother." "Dear me," said I; "how very sad! Leo's father and mother died together.