"Not promised," replied Mr. Ashley. "Not thought to be promised. A very long time ago, you may have been spoken of conditionally, as likely to fill it. Conditionally, I say."
"Conditionally on what, sir?"
"On your fitness for it. By conduct and by capability."
"What is the matter with my conduct, sir?" returned Cyril, his tone a sharp one.
"It is bad," curtly replied Mr. Ashley. "Deceitful in public; bad in private. I have told you once before this morning, that I do not care to go into details; you must know that there is no necessity for my doing so."
Cyril paused. "I have been led to expect, sir, that you would take me into partnership."
"Not by me," said the master.
"My father and mother had given me the hope ever since I came here."
"I cannot help that. They had no authority for it from me."
"They have always said I should be made your partner and son-in-law," persisted Cyril.