I know we like each other , and that is all that really matters . But there are some tiresome items which it would be convenient to know . For example , have you a father -- a mother ? Are there any more of you ? How long have you been yourself ? '' Paul did not reply immediately . He clasped his hands behind him and looked at her affectionately . `` I like the way you talk , '' he said . `` I never knew anybody did talk like that except folks in books and my rock people . '' `` Your rock people ? '' `` I 'm eleven years old . I have n't any father or mother , they 're dead . I live over there with Stephen Kane . Stephen is splendid . He plays the violin and takes me fishing in his boat . When I get bigger he 's going shares with me . I love him , and I love my rock people too . '' `` What do you mean by your rock people ? '' asked Miss Trevor , enjoying herself hugely . This was the only child she had ever met who talked as she wanted children to talk and who understood her remarks without having to have them translated .
`` Nora is one of them , '' said XXXXX , `` the best one of them .
Kane Paul Stephen Trevor child children father matters old shares