"I don't think--" and he stopped.
"You don't think you would have come of your own accord, Ralph?
No, that is natural enough, my boy.

At your, age I am sure I should not have cared to give up my holidays and spend them in a quiet house among strangers.

However, I wanted to see you, and I am very glad you have come.

I am an old friend of your mother's, you know, and so desired to make the acquaintance of her son.

I think you are like her," he said, putting his hand on Ralph's shoulder and taking him to the window and looking steadily at him.
"Other people have said so, sir; but I am sure I can't [illegible words] be like her a bit.