“I’ve never had a hiding.” There was rich pride in the avowal.
“You’ve never done anything worth getting one for.”
“Haven’t I? ’Tany rate, I bet you don’t behave like this again.”
“I bet I do,” said Wynne.
“When will you?” exclaimed Wallace, conscious of great excitement, and hoping that on the next occasion he might be privileged to witness the work of destruction in full swing.
“Not yet.”
Wallace hesitated. “What room will you smash up next time?” he asked.
“Oh, it isn’t for that,” cried Wynne, “you can’t see—nobody understands—”
“Then shut up,” said Wallace, and departed.
Strange as it may seem, this interview had great results in moulding Wynne Rendall’s character. From his brother’s obvious inability to realize any motive in his action, other than a wilful desire to destroy, he turned to an active consideration of what his motives had been.