"His time is thrown away. He could get quite as healthful exercise in sawing and splitting wood, and it would save money."
Mrs. Talbot was of a gentle, yielding temper, but she was not disposed to adopt her husband's views. She still ventured to expostulate.
"Robert is not lazy, James," she said. "If I were poor and there were any need of it, he would willingly saw and split the wood."
"Perhaps he would and perhaps he wouldn't. From what I have seen of him, I am decidedly of the opinion that he has been pampered and spoiled. He has a very bad temper——"
"Oh, James!"
"It is true, but it is partly because of his bringing-up. He needs to have his will broken. He has always had his own way, and it is quite time that he learned who is master here."
"You are very hard and cruel, James," said his wife, the tears filling her eyes.
"You think so, but I am only seeking the boy's good. I am quite decided on this point. We will drop the discussion."
"Oh, what will happen?" thought the poor mother. "Robert will never submit, and there will be serious trouble."