It was hardly less than funny to attempt a defense of Ed Thatcher by invoking the shades of the Puritans.
But Thatcher did love his boy, and Dan had always given him full credit for that.
"Never mind the breweries; tell me the rest of it." "Well," Allen continued, "dad always tells me everything, and when I spoke of Marian he told me a lot of things.

He wants to put Bassett out of business and go to the Senate.

Dad's set his heart on that.

I didn't know that any man could hate another as he hates Bassett.

That business in the state convention cut him deep;--no, don't you say a word! Dad hasn't any feeling against you; he thinks you're a fine fellow, and he likes to feel that when you quit Bassett you put yourself on his side.
Maybe he's wrong, but just for my sake I want you to let him think so.
But he's got it in for Bassett; he's got his guns all loaded and primed.
Dad's deeper than you think.