“And you’d better come to see your mother,” he concluded after all was said, “and beg her pardon.” Silver shuddered theatrically. “Must I?” “None of that,” said Tobias sharply. “She’s a nice lady and you’ve given her a nasty scare.” There was a pause. “My God,” said Silver, “you like my mother.” Tobias frowned at him. “But of course you like my mother; she’s nearly as prickly as Bramble. Does she like you?” Silver peered at him. “She does! Heaven help me, I’ve made a terrible mistake.”
