All right. I mean it. All right. His eyes narrowed. You don't believe me.
I haven't decided what I believe. She lowered herself carefully onto the small stool near the flour bin. Henry remained on the floor. The moonlight caught his bare feet. They were cold enough that his toes had gone pale.
Hannah looked toward the doorway. "Put your socks on next time you rob the pantry." I said, "I ain't robbing it." Then I suppose we ought to call this an unscheduled inventory. Henry stared at her. Hannah waited. That was something she had learned at the boarding house.
Most people eventually filled a silence if you gave them enough room. Henry looked down at the crackers. Molly gets hungry. Hannah's expression changed. When?
At night. She can come downstairs. No. Why not? Henry pressed his lips together.
Hannah did not push. A clock in the dining room ticked steadily. Finally, Henry said, "She wakes up sometimes." His voice was lower now. Thinks there won't be food in the morning. Hannah looked at the little pile and you keep something beside her bed.
He nodded. How long? Henry shrugged. That means a while. Another shrug.
Since before the last housekeeper. Henry's jaw tightened. Maybe. Hannah glanced at the biscuit. You could have asked me.
His eyes snapped toward hers. You're leaving. The words came quickly. Not angry. Certain.
Hannah felt them land. She folded her hands in her lap. I've been here one day. They all leave. There it was.
Not the frog, not the hogpen, not bad manners. A boy who expected departures and preferred to cause them himself. Hannah looked toward the dark staircase. Does your father know Molly wakes afraid there won't be breakfast? Henry immediately shook his head.
Don't tell him. Why? He already worries about everything. That sounds like a father's occupation. He'll start watching her.
He probably already does. Henry scowlled. You said you wouldn't wake him. I didn't say I'd never speak to him again. Henry began gathering the crackers into the towel.
His movements had gone sharp. I knew you'd tell. Hannah reached out and placed one hand over the towel. Henry stopped. I didn't say that either.
He looked up. Hannah lowered her voice. If Molly feels safer with food beside her bed, then we can make sure there's food beside her bed. Henry blinked. We Yes.