“I wasn’t late.”
“You may not call half-past eleven late; I do.”
“It wasn’t more than half-past ten when I came in.”
“You are quite mistaken. I looked at my watch when I heard you coming upstairs.”
“It was rather late; but you needn’t make such a fuss about it, Mr. Briggs,” said his wife. “You have been out later than that yourself.”
“Whenever I have been late, I had a good reason for it. Besides, there is some difference in age between Randolph and myself.”
“At any rate, you needn’t scold him before a stranger.”
“I do not consider Gilbert a stranger. Besides, what I say is partly meant for him. It is not wise for any boy of his or Randolph’s age to remain out till nearly twelve.”
“I hope you are almost through; I am getting tired of the subject.”
Thus Mrs. Briggs gave Randolph indirect encouragement, by taking his part against his father.