In the meantime Mr Philip was being just as freely discussed by the young people they had left. Jem was delighted with their new friend. He was a fine fellow, not at all “swell,” as he had supposed. Jem grew enthusiastic over his friendliness, his boat, his rowing, and hoped he might come often. So did the little ones.
“David does not like him,” said Violet.
“I liked him this afternoon well enough,” said David.
“Yes, he was nice this afternoon; but he is not always nice with his sisters. He is good to the little ones,” said Violet.
“I dare say his sisters are not very good to him. I can easily believe it,” said Jem.
“He is not like the people we have been taught to admire,” said David.
“He always thinks of himself first,” said Violet. “And he is not really in earnest about anything.”
“Mamma, listen to Davie and Letty speaking evil of their neighbours,” said Jem.
“Not speaking evil, I hope,” said Mrs Inglis, “but still not speaking with charity, I am afraid.”
“I was not speaking evil of him, mamma,” said Violet. “I only meant that he does not care for anything very much, except to amuse himself. I think he is rather foolish, but I would not speak evil of him.”