Foundations of brick were being laid; everywhere were piles of brick and stacked lumber, and sand heaps and mortar' beds.
It was Sunday, and so the workmen implicated in these defacings were denied what unquestionably; they would have considered a treat; but as the fanatic orator continued the monologue, a gentleman in flannels emerged upward from one of the excavations, and regarded him contemplatively.
"Obtaining any relief, nephew ?" he inquired with some interest.

"You must have learned quite a number of those expressions in childhood--it's so long since I'd heard them I fancied they were obsolete." "Who wouldn't swear ?" George demanded hotly.

"In the name of God, what does grandfather mean, doing such things ?" "My private opinion is," said Amberson gravely, "he desires to increase his income by building these houses to rent." "Well, in the name of God, can't he increase his income any other way but this ?" "In the name of God, it would appear he couldn't." "It's beastly! It's a damn degradation! It's a crime!" "I don't know about its being a crime," said his uncle, stepping over some planks to join him.

"It might be a mistake, though.

Your mother said not to tell you until we got home, so as not to spoil commencement for you.