On the whole the boys did not take to each other. They took very different views of life and duty, and there seemed to be small prospect of their becoming intimate friends.
Mrs. Hamilton had gone to bed when they returned, but Mrs. Hill was up watching for her son. She was a cold, disagreeable woman, but she was devoted to her boy.
"I am glad you have come home so soon," she said.
"I wanted to play a game of billiards, but Ben wouldn't," grumbled Conrad.
"If you had done so, I should have had to sit up later for you, Conrad."
"There was no use in sitting up for me. I ain't a baby," responded Conrad ungratefully.
"You know I can't sleep when I know you are out, Conrad."
"Then you're very foolish. Isn't she, Ben?"
"My mother would feel just so," answered Ben.
Mrs. Hill regarded him almost kindly. He had done her a good turn in bringing her son home in good season.