5/31 I'm sure it was only because he felt his business was so important. Mary told me he seemed wrapped up in his son's succeeding; and that was what he bragged about most. He isn't vulgar in his boasting, I understand; he doesn't talk a great deal about his--his actual money--though there was something about blades of grass that I didn't comprehend. I think he meant something about his energy--but perhaps not. No, his bragging usually seemed to be not so much a personal vainglory as about his family and the greatness of this city." "'Greatness of this city'!" Mr.Vertrees echoed, with dull bitterness. |