It was not in his nature--it never is in the natures of such men--to give any excess of consideration to the future.

When his thoughts did turn to it in momentary uneasiness, he would abruptly dismiss them with the reflection that when all was said Oliver loved him, and Oliver would never fail to provide adequately for all his wants.
In this undoubtedly he was fully justified.

Oliver was more parent than brother to him.

When their father had been brought home to die from the wound dealt him by an outraged husband--and a shocking spectacle that sinner's death had been with its hasty terrified repentance--he had entrusted Lionel to his elder brother's care.

At the time Oliver was seventeen and Lionel twelve.