Cecilia Adler made an excuse for him. "We didn't see him. Do you think he studied too late last night and couldn't get up this morning?"
"That boy... Even if he's studying hard over the New Year, he shouldn't miss paying respects to his wife's family." Although Mrs. Quincy's words were a chiding, her face held no trace of anger; she even seemed a bit pleased. She added, as if making a promise, "The next time he's home, I'll give him a talking-to."
Cecilia Adler said, "His studies are the priority."
Mrs. Quincy nodded. "That's true. They say the exam is scheduled for July, and it's already February. Ian hasn't touched a textbook in ten years. We wanted to hire a tutor for him, but he refused. We tried to enroll him in the third year of high school, but he wouldn't agree to that either, insisting on figuring it out on his own. If he doesn't buckle down, what will he do if he fails?"
He's been strong-willed since he was a child.
