Anna Chapin Ray

“ Ronald laughed.
"Yes, he's at the house rather often. He and my mother are getting to be great friends. He's not a bad little chap; he's only funny."
The older man nodded.
"You're right. He has good blood, and that tells, in the end. I knew his father. Make it as pleasant for the fellow as you can. You won't be sorry." And he gave a curt, kind nod of dismissal.
In talking to his chief, Ronald had spoken truly. His mother and Sir George Porteous were getting to be great friends, fast friends. In fact, during the past ten days, Sir George's calls had been frequent. ”

“ With Janet and on snowshoes, she scoured the surrounding country, wandering to and fro across the old battleground until she could tell to a nicety where Wolfe's line of march deviated from the easiest trail. Under Ronald's teaching, she learned the trick of taking her toboggan down every slide in the region. She taught herself skiing and, once she succeeded in training her own feet to await her signal for starting down the slopes of the Cove Fields, she set about teaching the same lesson to the feet of Sir George Porteous. As pupil, Sir George was less apt than enthusiastic. ”

“ Hardy, happy, glowing with contentment and with exercise, she spent long hours in the open air, walking, driving, or sliding, according to the state of the weather and to the wish of her companion of the moment. ”

“ Leslie.
The end of the following week found Ronald back at the deserted desk which Sir George had threatened to occupy in his stead. With rare self-control, the chief omitted to make known the details of his call from Sir George. Nevertheless, a week later, he summoned Ronald to his private room.
"You are quite worth it to me," he said kindly, at the conclusion of their talk; "and I fancy it won't come amiss to you. You are carrying a heavy care, for so young a man. No; don't thank me. I'll get it back out of you, in the shape of work. You have proved that you are the man for the place. ”