Mother came in and told me my fate. "Daddy" had determined it! It was Granding and Smith, or a local bank,—I was generously permitted to take my choice.
Then I arose in wrath, and made some unkind, not to say rude, remarks concerning my stepfather and Granding and Smith. Naval surgeons and examiners also "caught it," and, indeed, my expressions pained my fond mother deeply. Till I had apologised for my violence she declined any assistance on my behalf in future.
Of course, I said I was "sorry," and kissed her penitently. She perceived my repentance was sincere, and forgave me.
"Run away now, Julius, there's a good boy. Take a boat, and sail about until this ill-feeling has subsided. Your father only means it for your good, remember that."
"Yes, I daresay he means all right, mother, but that does me no good! I want to go to sea—I mean in the navy—and I shall do no good any other way, I tell you plainly!"
"My dear boy, that is just nonsense! You have plenty of ability, and will, in time, be very glad to reflect that you were induced to go into business. Business is really the best career, your father says."
"You said it wouldn't suit me, and I know it wouldn't!"
"My dear Julius, your father thinks it best for you."
"He isn't my father, and I won't go to Granding. There!"
With this defiance I rushed from the room, took my straw hat, and hurried away into the bright warm sunlight in search of the sea.