Chapter 26

“I only said some of them.” “Of course,” said Fin, “I would much rather have you just as you are for ever and ever.” “Why?” she asked curiously. “Because you like me now. We are a great comfort to each other. . . .” Mariula gave his hand a little squeeze. “But when you finish growing up you’ll be somebody else again. You may not like me then.” “Well, if you think I’m that kind of a person,” she said, affronted, “I’m not going to swear any oaths.” “It will be a sad day for me when you become a young lady,” Fin went …