“She wants me to prepare for Yale,” said James.
“Of course we Yale men are biased, but we think no student can do better than to come to Yale.”
“My father wants me to be a professional man—a lawyer.”
“A good profession. Do you think you should like it?”
“Yes,” said James, complacently. “It's a very genteel profession. Besides, most of our public men are lawyers. I might stand a chance to get into public life.”
“Should you like it?”
“Yes, I should like to be a member of Congress. My father has a good deal of influence and I am his only son, so I should have a very good chance; don't you think so?”
“It would seem so,” said Cameron, with a quiet smile. “I think you had better come to Yale. You would be improved in many ways.”
He referred to the possibility of James having some of the self-conceit taken out of him; but then the squire's son interpreted the remark as a compliment. “Have you ever thought of going to college, Herbert?” asked Cameron, turning to our hero.
“I always thought I should like to go,” answered Herbert, “but I never thought there was any chance of it.”