"Beshrew the idea of a lord of sixteen!" cried Rosamond, pettishly. "Where is the sense in leaving home and sailing away to another land to study what could be very well learned right here, and the better to look into troubles that may never come?"
"I must fit myself in the very best way for the future," manfully answered the lad.
"And prithee, are there not fields to till, crops to watch, and hands to guide, that one must fly across the ocean in search of usefulness?"
"My father is able to look after his fields, his crops, and his servants, cousin Rosamond, and it was a fine course of study that fitted him to be the man he is. And thankful I am that he hath both means and the willingness wherewith to fit me to follow in his footsteps."
"We have had many pleasant times together," sighed Rosamond.
"As boy and girl, yes. I go now to prepare myself to take a man's place in affairs, would'st hinder me?"
"Yes!" snapped Rosamond. "I would indeed!"
She was a petted beauty, this Rosamond, and being seventeen was both much admired and sought after.
"Yes," she repeated, "I would hinder you from such folly! You have been well taught already. Here is our own William and Mary College, no mean place of learning; why is it not fully good enough, pray tell me?"
"I seek helps of all kinds, my cousin, and would study midst the treasures and libraries of the Old World, nor can any one hinder me."