“My future is wrapped in a cloud of doubt,” replied the young man, dreamily. “Were the Church differently constituted—were the minds that rule in it of a larger cast, a wider grasp, a——”
“Harrington, how would you like the law as a profession?” Theodore asked abruptly, when the other began to hesitate.
“My dear fellow, it is all very well to ask me that question, when you know there is no room for me in my father’s office,” retorted Harrington, with a contemptuous wave of that long, lean white hand, which always reminded him of St. Francis de Sales or Savonarola; not that he had any positive knowledge of what those saintly hands were like.
“Room might be made for you,” said Theodore.
“I should not care to accept a subordinate position—Aut Cæsar——”
“So far as the Cæsar-ship of a provincial solicitor’s office can go the whole empire may be yours by-and-by, if you like—provided you put your shoulder to the wheel and pass your examinations.”
“Do you mean to say that you would throw up your position—and an income which would allow of your marrying to-morrow, if you chose—to make room for me?”
“If I can get my father’s consent, yes, decidedly.”
“And how do you propose to exist without a profession?”
“I don’t propose anything of the kind. I mean to go to the Bar.”