"I don't see how you can say so, doctor," observed the sister. "I am sure it was a settled thing among us children, that he was a very stupid, disagreeable boy. He never took much interest in our plays, I remember."
"Not in playing doll-baby, perhaps; but I have had many a holiday with him that I enjoyed very much, I can tell you. He never had a fancy for a book, that is true; but otherwise be was not so very dull as some people make out."
"He had the reputation of being a dull boy, had he?"
"Oh, certainly," said Mrs. Lawson. "at one time, when we were quite children, we all took arithmetic lessons together, and he was always at the foot of the class."
"He had no head for figures, perhaps; it is more likely, though, that he wouldn't learn out of obstinacy; he was as obstinate as a mule, that I allow."
"What sort of games and plays did he like best?"
"I don't know that he liked one better than another, so long as he could choose himself," replied Dr. Lewis.
"Was he a strong, active boy?"
"Not particularly active, but a stout, healthy lad."
"Disposed to be tall?"