But to return to the breakfast table, from which we have roved, and where an animated discussion was in progress, together with the disposition of the many tempting viands.
“I am sure I do not know what I am going to do without you during the next six months, Rupert,” Sir William remarked. “Here I was anticipating having you all to myself for awhile, after you got through school, and now you want to go roving the first thing.”
“Yes, I do want to see a little of the world I live in, I confess, before I choose my profession; and you have told me so many interesting things about America, and American people, that I have a curiosity to see the country and mingle with the people myself. Why can’t you come with me, Uncle Will? then we need not be separated,” concluded the young man, wishfully.
“I should be glad to, my boy, but my time and attention will have to be given to the interests of the borough for this year,” responded his guardian. “The troubles in Ireland, too, bid fair to be pretty serious, and every true-hearted Englishman ought to give careful thought to the questions that are arising in connection with them.”
“I hope that I am a true-hearted Englishman, but since I cannot cast my vote until next year, I presume you will not consider me disloyal for running away for a little while,” Rupert said, earnestly.
“No, indeed, I want you to go, since you desire it so much, and, considering all things, this is the best time for you to go. Let me see; it is a Raymond excursion to California that you have decided to join after reaching New York, I believe.”
“Yes, the circular which Raymond has issued is so attractive I could not resist it. I feel sure that by joining this party I shall see more of the country, in less time and to better advantage, than I could to travel by myself and lay out my own route.”
“Will you be with a large party, Rupert?” Lillian asked, her color deepening and a rather anxious expression in her eyes.
Lillian Linton had learned to love Rupert Hamilton with a strong and passionate affection, and this attachment had been most unwisely fostered by her mother, who was still determined that her idolized daughter should marry her brother’s wealthy young ward, and the heir to still greater prosperity and honor, if it was possible to accomplish it.
“I do not know how large the party will be, Lillian; probably there will be quite a number in it,” he answered.