There 's nothing of his father in him except his hankering after books . But I wo n't choose for him -- he can go if he likes -- he can go if he likes . '' In the end Paul `` liked , '' since Stephen refused to influence him by so much as a word . Paul thought Stephen did n't seem to care much whether he went or stayed , and he was dazzled by Miss Trevor 's charm and the lure of books and knowledge she held out to him . `` I 'll go , I guess , '' he said , with a long sigh . Miss Trevor clasped him close to her and kissed him maternally . Paul kissed her cheek shyly in return . He thought it very wonderful that he was to live with her always . He felt happy and excited -- so happy and excited that the parting when it came slipped over him lightly . Miss Trevor even thought he took it too easily and had a vague wish that he had shown more sorrow . Stephen said farewell to the boy he loved better than life with no visible emotion . `` Good-bye , Paul . Be a good boy and learn all you can . '' He hesitated a moment and then said slowly , `` If you do n't like it , come back . '' `` Did you bid good-bye to your rock people ? '' Miss Trevor asked him with a smile as they drove away . `` No . I -- could n't -- I -- I -- did n't even tell them I was going away . Nora would break her heart . I 'd rather not talk of them anymore , if you please .
Maybe I wo n't want them when I 've plenty of books and lots XXXXX other boys and girls -- real ones -- to play with . ''
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