Eager and Sir George were sitting resting in the side of a sand-hill one day, and watching the younger folk at a game in which Ralph was perpetually disputatious odd-man-out. It seemed impossible for him to get through any game without some wrangle.
Eager made some quiet comment on the matter and Sir George said:
"Yes, he's difficult. He's the only child, and his mother spoiled him sadly. When she died his father sent him to a second-rate school, and this is the result. But I hope he'll pull round. We must do what we can for him. Harben is in treaty for the Scarsdale place just beyond Wynsloe, so you'll be able to keep an eye on the boy. Your two are marvels. I never see them squabbling."
"Oh, they never squabble. They just fight it out, and no temper in it. They're really capital boxers, and they're coming on in their fencing."
"You'll make men of those two yet."
"I'll do my best."
"And if the old man dies? What will happen then?"
"God knows. It's as hard a nut as I ever came across."
"That infernal old woman up at Carrie could crack it if she would, I suppose?"
"I have no doubt; but she won't speak. And I'm afraid no one would believe her if she did."