There are two sons of Mrs.Anderson's at the school, who are more his friends than I like, and he is too easily led by the desire not to be outdone, and to show that he fears nothing.

Lately, our sailor-guest has inspired him with a vehement wish to go to sea; I wish it was not necessary that the decision should be made so early in life, for this fault is just what would make us most fear to send him into the world very young, though in some ways it might not do amiss for him.
"So much for the younger bairns, whom you never beheld, dear Flora.
The three whom you left, when people used to waste pity on me for their being all babies together, now look as if any pair of them were twins, for Norman is the tallest, almost outgrowing his strength, and Ethel's sharp face, so like her papa's, makes her look older than Flora.

Norman and Ethel do indeed take after their papa, more than any of the others, and are much alike.

There is the same brilliant cleverness, the same strong feeling, not easy of demonstration, though impetuous in action; but poor Ethel's old foibles, her harum-scarum nature, quick temper, uncouth manners, and heedlessness of all but one absorbing object, have kept her back, and caused her much discomfort; yet I sometimes think these manifest defects have occasioned a discipline that is the best thing for the character in the end.

They are faults that show themselves, and which one can tell how to deal with, and I have full confidence that she has the principle within her that will conquer them." "If--" mournfully sighed Ethel; but her brother pointed on further.
"My great hope is her entire indifference to praise--not approval, but praise.