“Then thinking doesn’t seem to agree with you, my boy,” said the doctor.
Hugh raised himself in his chair, and bent forward with some eagerness.
“Father, do you mind if I go out to my chum, Haviland, in New Zealand? He wants a partner and—and—I want to go.”
Dr. Chichester considered.
“You have a very good position at the Blue-friars, Hugh,” he said at length. “Do you want to throw that up?”
Hugh rose, and walked about the room a little restlessly.
“I know it seems foolish,” he said, “but I’ve a fancy for trying new ground, and Haviland is beginning to establish a practice, and——”
“And you want to get as far away from England as you can?” his father quietly suggested.
Hugh’s back was turned towards him and he did not answer. The doctor went to his son, and put an arm through his.
“Sit down, my boy, and tell me all about it,” he said gently.