As he grew bigger he was for ever having rows with his father, and his mother was for ever interceding for him.

He was idle at school; but he was a manly boy enough over games and sport, and a capital shot.

Anyway, she managed to be proud of him, God knows how.

I shouldn't wonder if this war was the making of him, though, poor chap, if he's spared to see the end of it all." "I have no doubt the discipline will do him a great deal of good," said John, dryly.
It cannot be said that his brief interview at Southampton had impressed John with a favourable opinion of the sulky and irresponsive youth, who had there listened to his mother's messages with lowering brow and downcast eye.

Peter had betrayed no sign of emotion, and almost none of gratitude for John's hurried and uncomfortable journey to convey that message.
"A few hard knocks will do you no harm, my young friend; and I almost wish you may get them," John had said to himself on his homeward journey; dreading, yet expecting, the news that awaited him at Peter's home, and for which he had done his best to prepare the boy.
"Too much consideration hitherto has ruined him," said the doctor, shortly.