But the younger and the weaker man of the two could not quite bring himself to the point of making an inquiry which he thought would be disagreeable.

Lopez had never before, in all their intercourse, hinted at the possibility of his having or having had filial aspirations.

He had been as though he had been created self-sufficient, independent of mother's milk or father's money.

Now the question might have been asked almost naturally.

But it was not asked.
Everett Wharton was a trouble to his father,--but not an agonizing trouble, as are some sons.