"Oh, Miss Brabazon, it is only my degree at the Heidelberg University. I drop it here. I see this is from one of the professors. He forgot, I suppose: I wrote down my name for them all, 'Mr.' Henry."
"But why should you drop it?"
"It is much better to do so. Fancy a young man like I am being called doctor here! The masters would look askance at me, and the boys make fun of me in private. Please don't mention it, Miss Brabazon."
"Certainly not, as you wish it. I do not quite see your argument, though. Here's papa."
Dr. Brabazon came in with a quiet step. He threw himself into a chair, as one in utter weariness, speaking sadly. "Oh, these boys, these boys!"
"Is anything the matter, papa?"
"Not much, Emma; save that I feel out of sorts with all things. Don't go, Mr. Henry, I want to speak to you."
Mr. Henry had been leaving the room. He turned back, and the doctor sat forward on his chair.
"You are acquainted with young Paradyne, I hear, Mr. Henry."
A sort of bright hectic flashed into Mr. Henry's face. Miss Brabazon noticed it. When she knew him better, she found that any powerful emotion always brought it there. "Yes, sir, I knew him in Germany. He is a very clever boy."