The captain was, in his opinion, altogether too flippant and jolly.

There was nothing humorous in the situation, as Graves saw it, and to laugh when one's brother's estate is in a tangle, indicated unfitness, if nothing worse.

Kuhn was a sharp, quick-moving man, who had no time for frivolity if it delayed business.
It was after a long interview with Sylvester that Captain Elisha decided to send Stephen back to college.

When he broke the news there was rebellion, brief but lively.

Stephen had no desire to continue his studies; he wished to become a stock broker at once, and, as soon as he was of age, take his father's seat on the Exchange.
"Stevie," said Captain Elisha, "one of these days, when you get to be as old as I am or before, you'll realize that an education is worth somethin'." "Ugh!" grunted the boy, in supreme disgust.