"I hope so, sir; but I consider it my duty further to inform you that I fear Tom is following evil courses."
"Evil courses?"
"Yes, sir!"
The door creaked terribly.
"You pain me," said the Doctor; "to what do you allude?"
"How? But observe, I do not ask you to speak, sir. If it be your pleasure, very well, and I trust what I shall do will be for Thomas's good. But I do not invite your information."
"It is my duty to tell, sir; and I must speak."
With which words Jacques paused a moment, enjoying the dreadful suspense of the concealed gentleman, who seemed about to verify the proverb that listeners never hear any good of themselves. The closet groaned.
"I refer to political courses," said Jacques, "and I have heard Tom speak repeatedly lately of going to Europe."