“Do stop, uncle, for I am inclined to remain for the present just as I am. You cannot make a lover of science into a fortune hunter. If fate had already thrown me into the society of Miss Dove, I might, or might not, have fallen in love with her. As it is, I cannot withdraw from what I have in hand, nor, to be candid, can I become a merchant’s clerk as a means to an end.”
“Harry Goodall, I am shocked at your folly and want of worldly wisdom. I admire your courage in saying what you mean, and I have not a word to say against your general good conduct and exemption from the prevailing vices of the day, but your persistence in this hallucination, for I can call it nothing else, is most aggravating.”
“In what other respect, uncle?”
“Why, in mixing yourself up with questionable associates, instead of moving more among people in your own class of life.”
“There must be good among all classes, uncle, employers and employed. People in my service, whether men or women, have as high characters, probably, as many who are above them in social position,” replied the young man, with spirit. “Another point I will venture to mention, uncle. I am too young to think of settling down in life just yet.”
“You are not too young to have feminine associates at the Crystal Palace, so I am told,” said his uncle, turning round sharply.
“I employ respectable needlewomen. No harm will happen to them or to me at the Crystal Palace, uncle.”
“I trust not, but I think you would be better engaged by seeking lady-like society. However, I have done what I could for you, and so has your—your father, but your late indifference to our advice and wishes is most worrying.”
“You forget, uncle, that I am not actually declining to comply with your requests, so far as a visit to the Doves goes, but I cannot do so at present.”
“Then I decline to say any more to you, beyond this,—Take care, Harry Goodall, that you are not cut off with a bare pittance. Your future prospects depend upon your giving up your hobby, to begin with. Whilst you continue a balloonatic, if I may use a strong term, you will never be welcome at Wedwell.”