Robert Stevens, who had incurred the man's dislike before he had wed his mother, realized that his stepfather had not forgotten and was not likely to forget the assault.

His face, which at times could be pleasant, was firm and immovable with Robert.

He never smiled on the boy nor gave him one encouraging word.
When the cavaliers and ladies assembled at the house, the children were sent away.

Robert was strong and athletic.

His early hardships had bred in him a spirit of fearless independence and freedom, which few of his age realized.