But that he did not hear of any friendship formed, or likely to be formed with advantage between his son and this young gentleman.
“No, indeed!” muttered Holt.
There was one boy, however, Mr Holt went on to say, to whom his son seemed to be attached, and concerning whom he had related circumstances which inspired a strong interest, and which seemed to afford an expectation of an upright manhood following a gallant youth.
Here all the boys reddened, and Hugh looked hard at the carpet.
This boy had evidently a strong inclination for travel and adventure; and though his lameness put military or naval service out of the question, it might not unfit him for civil service in India. If Mr Tooke could give such a report of his health, industry, and capability as should warrant his being offered an appointment, and if his parents were willing so to dispose of him, Mr Holt was anxious to make arrangements for the education of the boys proceeding together, in order to their being companions in their voyage and subsequent employments. And then followed some account of what these arrangements were to be.
“Now, Proctor,” said Mr Tooke to the breathless Hugh, “you must consider what you have to say to this. Your parents are willing to agree if you are. But if,” he continued, with a kind smile, “it would make you very unhappy to go to India, no one will force your inclinations.”
“Oh, sir,” said Hugh, “I will work very hard,—I will work as hard as ever I can, if I may go.”
“Well: you may go, you see, if you will work hard. You can consider it quietly, or talk it over with your brother and Holt; and to-morrow you are to dine at your uncle’s, where you will meet your father; and he and you will settle what to write to Mr Holt, by the next ship.”
“And you, sir,” said Phil, anxiously—“Mr Holt asks your opinion.”
“My opinion is that your brother can be what he pleases. He wants some inducement to pursue his learning more strenuously than he has done yet—”