“You did. God only knows how. Neither Professor Anderson nor I have been able to fathom it.”
Howard flushed angrily: “Maybe you think I cheated?”
“I am so glad that you’re through I don’t believe I care how you managed it. You know without my having to tell you how you wasted your time; but I didn’t call you in here to discuss past performances or lecture you. I merely want to know what you intend doing now that you are a college graduate and have fully satisfied your mother’s ambitions?” Hugh himself did not realize the tinge of bitterness in his voice.
“Doing? Just what do you mean by that, Dad?”
“Do you care to come into the office with me,” Hugh answered, “or would you rather go to work for one of my friends?”
“Work!” Howard sat up like a shot. Amazement rang in his voice. “Surely, Dad, you don’t expect me to work!”
“Well, what do you expect to do, now that you can’t go to school any longer?” Hugh remembered his cherished dignity and sought to control himself, but with ill success.
“Why, you have so much money, Dad, I thought I’d just be a—a gentleman.”
Hugh turned fiercely. His anger had leapt bounds. “A gentleman?” he sneered. “You mean, you want to be a good-for-nothing idler. Well, I won’t stand for it—do you hear—I won’t stand for it!”
Howard languidly lighted a fresh smoke. “Any need to get so excited?”