The doctor uttered a grunt.
“That’s all very well,” began the doctor, but Vane interrupted him.
“I say, uncle, I’ve been thinking very deeply about my going to college.”
“Well, what about it. Time you went, eh?”
“No, uncle, and I don’t think I should like to go. Of course, I know the value of the college education, and the position it gives a man; but it means three years’ study—three years waiting to begin, and three years—”
“Well, sir, three years what?”
“Expense to you, uncle.”
“Now, look here, Vane,” said the doctor, sternly, “when I took you, a poor miserable little fatherless and motherless boy, to bring up—and precious ugly you were—I made up my mind to do my duty by you.”
“And so you have, uncle, far more than I deserved,” said Vane, merrily.
“Silence, sir,” cried the doctor, sternly. “I say—”