" 'I have a request to make which you must not misunderstand,' said Karl, walking up hastily to Mr Pollunder and putting his hand on the arm of the chair, to get as near to him as he could. 'And what request can that be?' asked Mr Pollunder, giving Karl a frank open look. 'It is granted already.' And he put his arm round Karl and drew him between his knees. Karl submitted willingly, though as a rule he felt too much grown up for such treatment. But of course it made the utterance of his request all the more difficult. "