"You ought to be thankful you've got a son like Arthur, who makes a splendid impression everywhere.

He's the only western man that's got into exclusive societies at Harvard in years simply on his own merits, and he's a great favorite in Boston and in New York." "My children need no one to defend them to me," said Hiram, in what might be called his quiet tone--the tone he had never in his life used without drying up utterly the discussion that had provoked it.

Many people had noted the curious effect of that tone and had resolved to defy it at the next opportunity, "just to see what the consequences would be." But when the opportunity had come, their courage had always withered.
"You can't expect me to be like you, father.

You wouldn't, want it," said Arthur, after the pause.

"I must be myself, must develop my own individuality." Ranger stopped and that stopped the others.