Mrs.Bassett explained the arrangement privately in her own fashion.
"You seem to take no interest in your children, Morton.

I thought Blackford was your particular pride, but the fact that he was practically expelled from school seemed to make not the slightest impression on you.

I thought that until you _did_ realize that the boy was wasting his time here, I'd take matters into my own hands.

Miss Garrison seems perfectly competent; she tells me Blackford is very quick--all he needs is application." "I hadn't got around to that yet, Hallie.

I'd intended taking it up this week.