“Then I see no reason why there should be further trouble. As for this matter of football, of course Chester will be unable to play this season. In fact, I do not wish him to play at all; but he has set his heart upon it, and I never deny him anything.”
For that very reason she had spoiled her son, although he was not aware of it.
“Next year,” she went on, “he may wish to play. If he remains here, I am sure that, by that time, his superiority will be so apparent that any jealous enemy will be quite unable to balk him.”
In plain words, she meant that Dick was jealous of her son, and the idea made young Merriwell smile.
“Here, madam,” he said, “no one ever gets on the football-team without proving their fitness.”
“I am sure my son could have shown you that he had played on excellent teams in the past.”
“What any one has done before coming here does not count; it is what he proves himself able to do here. Mr. Arlington could have come out with the other candidates and tried for a place on the team; but he seemed to think he would be taken on anyhow, for some reason or other.”
“And why not?” exclaimed Mrs. Arlington. “I am sure I do not understand why Chester should be required to take the same chance as any common fellow.”
“This is the common fellow’s country, madam. If he proves himself worthy to rise he rises, and no power can hold him down. Birth or wealth cannot place one on top and keep him there unless he has the brains and ability to stay.”
“I hope you do not mean to insinuate that my son hasn’t brains?” exclaimed the indignant woman.