You thought me harsh--oh, I know you did!--but I don't blame you.

I knew what I was about.

Why, Phil, if I hadn't taken the firm stand I took that boy would have been running to Nina and Eileen--he did go to his sister once, but he never dared try it again!--and he'd probably have borrowed money of Neergard and--by Jove! he might even have come to you to get him out of his scrapes!" "Oh, scarcely that," protested Selwyn with grave humour.
"That's all you know about it," nodded Austin, wise-eyed, smoking steadily.

"And all I have to say is that it's fortunate for everybody that I stood my ground when he came around looking for trouble.

For you're just the sort of a man, Phil, who'd be likely to strip yourself if that young cub came howling for somebody to pay his debts of honour.
Admit it, now; you know you are." But Selwyn only smiled and looked into the fire.
After a few moments' silence Austin said curiously: "You're a frugal bird.