‘True; I think a very high born and very rich man might be humble,’ said Ulick, so meditatively that they laughed; but Sophy said,
‘No, that is not a paradox; the real difficulty is not in willingly yielding, but in taking what we cannot help.’
‘Well,’ said Ulick, ‘I hope it is not pride not to intend working under Andrew Goldsmith.’
‘Do you consider that as your fate?’ asked Albinia.
‘Never my fate,’ said Ulick, quickly; ‘hardly even my alternative, for he would like to put up a notice, “No Irish need apply.” We had enough of each other last winter.’
‘And do you suppose,’ said Mr. Kendal, ‘that Mr. Goldsmith has left your position exactly the same?’
‘I’ve no reason to think otherwise. I refused all connexion with the bank if it was to interfere with my name. I don’t think it unlikely that he may have left me a small compliment in the way of shares; but if so, I shall sell them, and make them keep me at Oxford. I’m not too old yet!’
‘Then the work of these four years is wasted,’ said Mr. Kendal, gravely.
‘No, indeed,’ cried Ulick; ‘not if it takes me where I’ve always longed to be! Or, if not, I flatter myself I’m accountant enough to be an agent in my own country.’
‘Anything to get away from here,’ said Albinia, with a shade of asperity, provoked by the spirit of enterprise in his voice.