Nicholas re-read the section on the crocodile, and then the hippopotamus, with Fred tucked into the narrow bed beside him and Dolly curled up at the foot, being ever so careful not to jostle his leg.
“Now, I don’t know about you, darlings,” Nicholas said with a mighty yawn, “but I’m very tired.”
“I’m not tired at all,” Freddy said, slurring slightly with his eyes half-open.
“Yes, you are,” Dolly said, without opening her eyes. She was curled up like a kitten now at the foot of the bed, and looked so much like Maria when she and Nicholas were children that it stole his breath. “Anyway, we should let Uncle Nick sleep, Freddy.”
Fred stirred, opening his eyes enough to squint up at Nicholas. “You’re not ever going to leave us, right, Uncle Nick? You’re not going to get married and go away
