He burst out: "Oh, but that's absurd, father.Impossible--utterly.
Thurston in the family? Why, you must see yourself how monstrous it would be.Amy's got some silly, sentimental whim and she's got to be told that it won't do.If you ask me, I don't think Amy's improved much since I was away.But that's not the question.The idea of Thurston's disgusting.You can't seriously consider it for a minute...""Why is Thurston disgusting, my boy?"
Martin hated to be called "my boy"--it made him feel so young and dependent.
"You've only got to look at him!" Martin jumped up, disregarding his father's hand, and began to stamp about the room."He's a cad--he's not your friend, father.He isn't, really.He'd like to out you from the whole thing if he could.He thinks you're old-fashioned and behind the times, and all he thinks about is bringing in subscriptions and collecting new converts.He's like one of those men who beat drums outside tents in a fair...He's a sickening man! He doesn't believe in his religion or anything else.I should think he's crooked about money, and immoral probably too.You're much too innocent, father.You're so good and trustful yourself that you don't know how these fellows are doing you in.There's a regular plot against you and they'd be most awfully pleased if you were to retire.They're not genuine like you.They simply use the Chapel for self-advertisement and making money.Of course there are some genuine ones like the Miss Cardinals, but Thurston's an absolute swindler..."He stopped short at that.He had said more than he had intended and he was frightened suddenly.He swung round on his heel and looked at his father.
"Come here, Martin." He came across the room."Closer.Now, tell me.
We're good friends, aren't we?"
"Of course, father."