"Not dream of it! Did she suppose I could associate day after day with a girl like Eleanor and not love her?"
"She didn't know you associated with her. I hope you have come to no sort of understanding."
Richard answered only with a setting of his jaw. What he had done was his business. They should pry no farther; his heart was bleeding, but they should not count the drops. As soon as he felt certain of his knees he would fly.
Dr. Lister gave his body a little comfort against the back of his chair.
"I have no objection to your following music as a career, Richard, and I am sure we can win your mother over also. We want to do what is best for you—that is our chief desire in life. We will give you every possible opportunity here and abroad. What did Mr. Faversham say about your playing?"
Richard had now got to his feet. It seemed to him that he kept on and on rising. Insult had been added to injury.
"I have nothing to tell," said he with dignity, and so got himself away.