Colin was disposed at first to attribute this incredible meekness to the effect of his father’s strictures. Raymond had been given to understand without any possible mistake, that, unless he mended his ways, he would have to leave Stanier, and that, no doubt, accounted for his assumption of public amiability. But his imperviousness in private to any provocation was puzzling. He neither answered Colin’s challenges nor conducted any offensive of his own. At the most a gleam or a flush told that some jibe had gone home, but no angry blundering reply would give opportunity for another. For some reason Raymond banked up his smouldering fires, not letting them blaze.
His impotence to make his brother wince and rage profoundly irritated Colin. He had scarcely known before how deep-rooted was his pleasure in so doing; how integral a part of his consciousness was his hatred of him, which now seemed to have been deprived of its daily bread.
Not less irritating was the effect that Raymond’s changed behaviour produced on his father and on Violet. His father’s civilities to him began to lose the edge of their chilliness; a certain cordiality warmed them. If the boy was really taking himself in hand, Lord Yardley must, in common duty and justice, encourage and welcome his efforts, and the day before the departure for Italy, he made an opportunity for acknowledging this. Once more after lunch, he nodded to Raymond to stay behind the others.
“I want to tell you, Raymond,” he said, “that I’m very much pleased with you. You’ve been making a strong effort with yourself, and you’re winning all down the line. And how goes it with you and Colin in private?”
Raymond took rapid counsel with himself. “Very well indeed, sir,” he said. “We’ve had no rows at all.”
“That’s good. Now what are your plans while Colin and I are away? Your Uncle Ronald and Violet are going to stop on here. I think your aunt’s going up to London. You can establish yourself at St. James’s Square, if you like, or remain here.”
“I’ll stop here if I may,” said Raymond. “I don’t care about London.”
Philip smiled. “Very good,” he said. “You’ll have to take care of Violet and keep her amused.”
Raymond answered with a smile. “I’ll do my best, father,” he said.
“Well, all good wishes,” said his father. “Let me know how all goes.”