But it made no difference whether they discussed lawsuits or love, mortgages or mothers, the feeling was all right and they knew it, so Mr.Shaw walked straighter than usual, and Tom felt that he was in his proper place again.

The walk was not without its trials, however; for while it did Tom's heart good to see the cordial respect paid to his father, it tried his patience sorely to see also inquisitive or disapproving glances fixed upon himself when hats were lifted to his father, and to hear the hearty "Good day, Mr.Shaw," drop into a cool or careless, "That 's the son; it 's hard on him.

Wild fellow, do him good." "Granted; but you need n't hit a man when he 's down," muttered Tom to himself, feeling every moment a stronger desire to do something that should silence everybody.

"I 'd cut away to Australia if it was n't for mother; anything, anywhere to get out of the way of people who know me.
I never can right myself here, with all the fellows watching, and laying wagers whether I sink or swim.

Hang Greek and Latin! wish I 'd learned a trade, and had something to fall back upon.