“It concerns me very much,” said the tutor. “I am your guardian, and it is my duty to protect you from schemers.”
The two stood looking at one another, and in that moment each relented a little of his anger.
“I know, old fellow,” said Roger, “you think you are doing me a kindness, but—”
“Pardon me—kindness is not the word. I appeal to your common-sense—”
Unlucky speech! Roger, who was painfully aware that he was not clever, was naturally touchy at any reference to his common-sense.
“It doesn’t seem much use discussing,” said he. “I made a mistake in showing you the letter.”
“I heartily regret you did.”
“I hoped you would have helped me in my difficulty.”
“I will do anything for you except believe, without proof, and in spite of every probability, that Ratman is your brother.”
“He is just the age my brother would have been now.”