Mrs.Scarlett was fond of them, of course, and because she was a sentimental woman she was sometimes quite needlessly emotional about them, but John--no.

John was of another world.
The other children felt, beyond question, this difference.

They deferred to John about everything and regarded him as leader of the family, and in their deference there was more than simply a recognition of his sturdy independence.

Even John's father, Mr.Reginald Scarlett, a K.C., and a man of a most decisive and emphatic bearing, felt John's difference.
John's appearance was unengaging rather than handsome--a snub nose, grey eyes, rather large ears, a square, stocky body and short, stout legs.

He was certainly the most independent small boy in England, and very obstinate; when any proposal that seemed on the face of it absurd was made to him, he shut up like a box.