Harvey's mother, Constance, is described as a kind and lovely lady, but it's said that she can't get control of her son; that's one of the reasons Harvey's being sent to Europe. She worries over him greatly. He later thinks that she worries over him even when he's not in danger—which is why he expects sympathy when he's saved from drowning. Because of his mother's worries and kind nature, he teases her and takes advantage of her. As he matures, though, he thinks of her and worries for her because she thinks he's dead. He wishes he could tell her about his life.

When the ship docks, Dan's mother is waiting for him. She's a tall woman who goes into the schooner to kiss him. She's focused on her son; Harvey says she doesn't notice him until they're introduced. She's a compassionate woman, though. When they're reading off the names of drowned sailors, she moves to comfort Harvey's mother.

It seems like both women are kind and good. However, Dan's mother is braver and less likely to be upset by rough winds. Harvey's mother is a more worried, coddled woman. They both love their sons, but, according to Rudyard Kipling, Mrs. Troop hasn't babied Dan since he was six. Constance still babies Harvey even though he's almost grown. However, Constance is also more isolated from hard work and the real world because of her wealthy husband. Mrs. Troop has a lot more practical knowledge, since she doesn't have servants and every convenience at her fingertips.