Neil did not answer for a few moments.
“You asked me to take that post, Sir Denton,” he said at last.
“Yes, my dear boy, I did; but don’t say you have repented now it is too late.”
“Is it too late?” said Neil sadly.
“Yes: another appointment has been made, and the man sails in a week.”
“I am sorry,” said Neil slowly. “I have thought better of the offer now, and I was prepared to go.”
They parted, and he went back to his chambers to think, and form some plans for his future.
Two hours later he was surprised by the coming of Sir Denton, the old man looking flushed and excited as he entered the room.
“You, sir!”
“Yes, my boy. I have been and seen the man appointed, and he jumps at the chance of getting out of it. He says that he has the offer of a better thing, which is all nonsense. The fact is that he is afraid of the venture. Now there must be no trifling, Elthorne: it must be a frank, manly yes, or no. Stop; let me tell you again what it really means. Then you can say whether you will go. First, there is a great deal of risk.”