All the discordant elements in the Holland household could not
prevent the children from growing up. It was a consummation
which the harrassed Caroline devoutly wished. When Christopher
Holland was seventeen he was a man grown--a big, strapping
fellow. His childish beauty had coarsened, but he was thought
handsome by many.
He took charge of his mother's farm then, and the brother and
sister began their new life together in the long-unoccupied
house. There were few regrets on either side when they left
Charles Holland's roof. In her secret heart Eunice felt an
unspeakable relief.
Christopher had been "hard to manage," as his uncle said, in the
last year. He was getting into the habit of keeping late hours
and doubtful company. This always provoked an explosion of wrath
from Charles Holland, and the conflicts between him and his
nephew were frequent and bitter.
For four years after their return home Eunice had a hard and
anxious life. Christopher was idle and dissipated. Most people
regarded him as a worthless fellow, and his uncle washed his
hands of him utterly. Only Eunice never failed him; she never
reproached or railed; she worked like a slave to keep things
together. Eventually her patience prevailed. Christopher, to a
great extent, reformed and worked harder. He was never unkind to
Eunice, even in his rages. It was not in him to appreciate or
return her devotion; but his tolerant acceptance of it was her
solace.
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