She was very anxious to make a success of her 'firebrand' because others predicted failure; but having learned that people cannot be moulded like clay, she contented herself with the hope that this neglected boy might become a good man, and asked no more.
Even that was much to expect, so full was he of wayward impulses, strong passions, and the lawless nature born in him.

Nothing held him but the one affection of his life--the memory of Plumfield, the fear of disappointing these faithful friends, the pride, stronger than principle, that made him want to keep the regard of the mates who always had admired and loved him in spite of all his faults.
'Don't fret, old dear; Emil is one of the happy-go-lucky sort who always fall on their legs.

I'll see to Nat, and Dan is in a good way now.

Let him take a look at Kansas, and if the farm plan loses its charm, he can fall back on poor Lo, and really do good out there.

He's unusually fitted for that peculiar task and I hope he'll decide to do it.