His stepfather's temper will be less irritable; and as Charlie is away at school all day, and has to prepare his lessons in the evening, there is really but slight opportunity for his stepfather treating him with any active unkindness, even should he be disposed to do so.
"Did I think, my boy, that your presence here would be likely to benefit your family I should be the last person to advise you to avoid making a sacrifice of your private wishes to what you consider your duty; but upon the contrary I am convinced that the line which you have, with the best intention, taken up has been altogether a mistake, that your stay at home does vastly more harm than good, and that things would go on very much better in your absence." This was a bitter mortification for Ned, who had hitherto nursed the idea that he was performing rather a heroic part, and was sacrificing himself for the sake of his mother.
"You don't know the fellow as I do," he said sullenly at last.
"I do not, Ned; but I know human nature, and I know that any man would show himself at his worst under such circumstances as those in which you hare placed him.

It is painful to have to say, but I am sure that you have done harm rather than good, and that things will get on much better in your absence." "I believe he is quite capable of killing her," Ned said passionately, "if he wanted her out of the way." "That is a hard thing to say, Ned; but even were it so, we have no reason for supposing that he does want her out of the way.

Come, Sankey, I am sure you have plenty of good sense.

Hitherto you have been acting rather blindly in this matter.

You have viewed it from one side only, and with the very best intentions in the world have done harm rather than good.
"I am convinced that when you come to think it over you will see that, in following out your own and your father's intentions and wishes as to your future career, you will really best fulfil his last injunctions and will show the truest kindness to your mother.