m is that,
like the majority of healthy individuals, he has a large stock of animal
spirits, which are a tremendous help in getting one along in this world,
but which occasionally lead one into trouble. You say he is the
ringleader; but to my mind that only shows his pluck. He goes ahead
where others are afraid and hang back.

"But there, my dear, do not let us quarrel about this trumpery matter.
Remember that when I, a widower with one boy, married you, a widow with
an only son, a great object of our union was that the lads might prove
good brothers and playfellows. That was three years ago, and now we
have the satisfaction of knowing that they are fairly good companions,
and our wish is that they should continue so. Treat them alike, Julia,
and they will always be firm friends. But make a difference between
them, punish one for the other's faults, and you will surely separate
the lads and cause them to dislike one another. As for the bit of
china, I am sorry it is broken. Give it to me next time I go to London,
and, if possible, I will replace it, or buy you something more
valuable."

Captain Somerton spoke in his kindest and most conciliatory manner, and
patted his wife playfully on the arm. But this subject of the two boys
was a bitter one to her, and she was far from feeling appeased.

"Yes, it is just like you, Charles, to take Jack's part!" she exclaimed,
with an angry sneer. "It is always the same, and, upon my word, I have
no patience with you. Jack is a mischievous little monkey, and if there
is to be an unpleasant scene between us whenever he misbehaves himself,
then the sooner he is sent away to school the better. If I had had my
way he should have gone long ago."

Mrs Somerton, having delivered a parting shot, glared angrily at her
husband, and bounced out of the room, banging the door after her.

As for the captain, he was evidently distressed that his attempt to set
matters right had failed so completely. He gave a deep sigh, and,
sinking resignedly into a chair, lit a cigar, and smoked furiously till
the room was filled with choking clouds, through which the red end of
his cheroot glimmered feebly.

He was a soldierly-looking man, tall and upright, and with a kindly
expression on his face. Had a stranger seen him he would have taken him
at once for what he was. There was no mistaking the moustache and the
military air; while, had anyone been in doubt, the manner in which his
grooms--