'Because I forbid it at once and for all. That's why!'
'It's too late to forbid it now. I have given my promise, and I cannot draw back.'
'You both can and will,' he said hotly. 'I order you to.'
'I am sorry,' I answered, trying hard to keep my temper. 'But I have no option. I must ride.'
He staggered to his feet, and stood for a moment glaring down at me, his fingers twitching convulsively as he rested them on the table.
'Listen to my last word, you young dog,' he cried. 'I tell you this on my word of honour. If you ride that horse, you leave my house there and then. As surely as you disobey me, I'll have no more to do with you.'
I rose to my feet and faced him. My whole future was trembling in the balance. Little I cared, however.
'Then, if I understand my position aright, I am to choose between your house and my word of honour. A pretty choice for a father to give his son, I must say.'
'Don't dare to bandy words with me, sir!' he cried. 'Take your choice. Give up that race, or no longer consider this your home. That's all I have to say to you. Now go.'