Bernard Ashley Quotes

“The Welfare Dept. have asked my husband and me to foster a boy from a Jamaican family for a few months. As he is the same age as Keith, would it be possible for him to be with Keith in class? His name is Donovan Croft.”

“Well, dear, any child without a mother at home has problems, to a greater or lesser degree. But our records show this chap to be quite normal; no one’s told me anything about him being particularly awkward.”

“This year, though, it was different; it wasn’t just another start in a new class, but a first start with a man teacher.”

“It was going to be different, having another boy about. There was a spare room for him to sleep in, but Keith would still have a lot of sharing to do.”

“It’d probably work out. No good worrying too much. But it would be strange actually having a boy living indoors. He got on well with most of the black kids at school, but having one at home all the time would be bound to be a bit different.”

“Besides, his parents pay rates and taxes just like us, so they’re entitled to some of the benefits when they need them. And I’m sure you wouldn’t like to see a little boy left to roam the streets in all weathers till his dad comes home at eight o’clock.”

“Hallo, Donovan; my name’s Mrs. Chapman. You’re coming to stay with me for a little while, until your mother comes back from Jamaica. Everything is going to be all right.”

“It is easy to ignore what is heard, or even what is seen; but it is virtually impossible, Keith knew, to ignore a three-week-old guinea pig snuffling in your lap.”

“Give him his tea and a bit of love and he’ll be fine.”

“He felt the warmth of the body and the fast beat of the small heart. Suddenly, holding Fluff firmly in his left hand, he pulled himself out of the door Keith had used and walked across the pavement to the front gate.”