James did not ask for information. He knew well enough already, but as there are purse-proud men, so there are boys who are actuated by feelings equally unworthy, and it delighted him to remind Herbert of his poverty. Herbert divined this, but he was proud in his way, and answered: “Because I choose.”
“Well, you must like the dust, that's all,” said James, complacently tapping his well-polished boot with a light cane which he had bought.
“Where are you going?” asked Herbert, thinking it about time for him to commence questioning.
“I'm going to Randolph, too,” answered James, with unwonted affability. “I'm going to stop a few days with a friend of mine, Tom Spencer. His father's a rich man—got a nice place there. Didn't you ever hear of Mr. Spencer, the lawyer?”
“I don't think I have.”
“That's his father. He makes a load of money by his law business. I think I shall study law some time. Perhaps I'll go into partnership with him. What are you going to be?”
“I don't know yet,” said Herbert.
“I suppose you'll be a mechanic of some kind—a carpenter, or mason, or bricklayer.”
“Perhaps so,” said Herbert, quietly.
“What are you going to Randolph for?” asked James, with sudden curiosity.