“A thousand pounds.”
“Really! Nothing more?” Sir Charles had turned acid again.
“Yes, sir; an introduction to Mr. Brinsley Sheridan, whom I know to be your friend.”
“And why to him?”
“Because I am told that he controls Drury Lane Theatre, and I have a fancy to be an actor. My friends assure me that I have a pretty talent that way.”
“I can see you clearly, sir, in Charles Surface, or any other part where a foppish insolence is the essential. The less you acted, the better you would be. But it is absurd to suppose that I could help you to such a career. I could not justify it to your father. Return to Oxford at once, and continue your studies.”
“Impossible!”
“And pray, sir, what is the impediment?”
“I think I may have mentioned to you that I had an interview yesterday with the Principal. He ended it by remarking that the authorities of the University could tolerate me no more.”
“Sent down?”