His mother, however, was his never-failing confidante and friend.  His love and admiration for her were unbounded, as for her courage, unselfishness and constant thought for others, more especially for the poor and insignificant among her neighbours.  Though the humblest minded of women, she could, when occasion demanded, administer a rebuke with a decision and a fire that must have won the heartfelt admiration of her diffident little son.

He was not easily roused himself, but there is one instance of his being so that is eminently characteristic.  He had come back from school evidently very perturbed, and at first his sister could get nothing out of him.  But at last he flared up.  His face reddened, his eyes burned like coals and, in a voice trembling with rage, he said, “——­ (naming a school-fellow) talks about things that I won’t even think!”

At the age of about 14 he, too, went to Rugby, and there is an interesting prophecy about him by his brother Hugh belonging to this time.  Hugh had by now earned a certain right to pronounce judgment, having already started to fulfil his early promise by making some mark as a soldier and a linguist.  He had been invited to join the Egyptian Army at a critical time in the campaign of 1897-98, thanks to his proficiency in Arabic.  His work was cut short by serious illness, the long period of convalescence after which he had utilized in working for and passing the Army Interpreter’s examination in Turkish as well as the higher one in Arabic and his promotion exam.  All of which achievements had been of use in helping him to wring out of the War Office a promise of certain distinguished service in China.  In a letter home he writes:—­

2Nd Batt.  The Royal Warwickshire, REGT., The camp, Colchester. 28th Sept., 1899.

    My dear mamma,—­

I packed Donald off to school to-day in good time and cold-less....  He was wonderfully calm and collected.  He was more at his ease in our mess than I should have been in a strange mess, and made himself agreeable to his neighbours without being forward.  Also he looked very clean and smart, and was altogether quite a success.

    That child has a future before him if his energy is up to
    form, which I hope.  His philosophy is most amazing.  He looks
    remarkably healthy, and is growing nicely....

Shortly after this letter was written the South African War broke out, and before six months were over the writer was killed in action, at the age of 27, whilst serving with the Mounted Infantry at Paardeberg.