“A race between you and mother might be quite exciting,” said Charles.
“Young man,” rejoined Mr. Crashaw with dignity, “I am accustomed to rowing in real water in a real boat,—man’s size, too,—a rowboat or a dory, and if ever you want to take me on in a contest of that sort—”
“We got a rise out of him all right,” Charles murmured quite audibly to Edward.
“Humph!” said Mr. Crashaw. “Humph!” And he withheld his amused smile until he was safely on the stairs.
It pleased Charles at the end of his vacation to have his mother say when she was bidding him good-bye:—
“Edward has told me what a good brother you’ve been to him during these holidays, dear. He thinks you were fine to give up so much time to his rowing. Of course I don’t understand such things; but when Edward admires you so and is so grateful, it makes me proud of both my boys. You used to be rather domineering and dictatorial with Edward; you’re ever so much nicer with him now.”
