“Can't I be somebody without becoming a professional man, or—-”
“Or, what?” asked his uncle, abruptly.
“Getting a college education?” continued Grant.
“What does this mean?” asked the old lawyer, knitting his brow. “You're not getting off the notion of going to college, I hope?”
“I should like to go to college, uncle.”
“I'm glad to hear that,” said Godfrey Thornton, relieved. “I thought you might want to grow up a dunce, and become a bricklayer or something of that kind.”
Somehow Grant's task began to seem more difficult than he had anticipated.
“But,” continued Grant, summoning up his courage, “I am afraid it will be rather selfish.”
“I can't say I understand you, Grant. As long as I am willing to pay your college bills, I don't see why there is anything selfish in your accepting my offer.”
“I mean as regards father and mother.”