Jim was "steady" enough,
but was considered livelier than Roscoe, which in truth is not saying
much for Jim's liveliness. As their father habitually boasted, both
brothers were "capable, hard-working young business men," and the
principal difference between them was merely that which resulted from
Jim's being still a bachelor. Physically they were of the same type:
dark of eyes and of hair, fresh-colored and thick-set, and though
Roscoe was several inches taller than Jim, neither was of the height,
breadth, or depth of the father. Both wore young business men's
mustaches, and either could have sat for the tailor-shop lithographs
of young business men wearing "rich suitings in dark mixtures."
Jim, approving warmly of his neighbor's profile, perceived her access
of color, which increased his approbation. "What's that old Roscoe
saying to you, Miss Vertrees?" he asked. "These young married men are
mighty forward nowadays, but you mustn't let 'em make you blush."
"Am I blushing?" she said. "Are you sure?" And with that she gave
him ample opportunity to make sure, repeating with interest the look
wasted upon Roscoe. "I think you must be mistaken," she continued.
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