'I did give it to him well,' said Hal, laughing.

'Thank you,' said his mother. 'A big brother is more effective in such
cases than any one else can be. Wilfred is the only one of you all who
ever seemed to take pleasure in causing pain--and I hardly know how to
meet the propensity.'

'He is the only one who is not quite certain to be nice with Dolores,'
said Gillian.

'And I really don't quite see how to manage,' said the mother. 'If we
show him our anxiety to shield her, it is very likely to direct his
attention that way.'

'She must take her chance,' said Hal, 'and if she is any way rational,
she can soon put a stop to it.'

'But, oh dear! I wish he could go to school,' said Gillian.

'So do I, my dear,' returned her mother; 'but you know the doctors say
we must not risk it for another year, and I can only hope that as he
grows stronger, he may become more manly. Meantime we must be patient
with him, and Hal can help more than any one else. There--what's that
striking?'

'Three quarters.'

'Then we must make haste in, or we shall not have finished supper
before ten.'