He lifted his cap to her again as he walked away, and she went in with the earl.
"James," said Mrs. Talbot to her son, "you tell me that the school has a prejudice against that boy?"
"Indeed it has. Something more than a prejudice. We are all against him."
"And you motive—your reason, I should say?"
"I really don't know. The prejudice is there, and we all share in it, and that's all."
"Oh, James! is it right?"
"Perhaps not. I have thought it not quite the thing all along; but one must go with the stream. They are very poor, those Paradynes. Don't look angry, mamma; I am not speaking it as a reproach."
"I hope not. I think a son of mine would scarcely do so. They cannot well be poorer than we are."
"Yes, they are, a great deal. It is our education that keeps papa poor—mine especially. I shall try to repay you for it some day, mother mine. A vision comes over me now and again of gaining the Orville. I should get to college then and all would be easy."
"You vain boy. The Orville will be for some one of your seniors, sir."