“I think otherwise. But, to pursue the subject will be productive of no benefit, so we will let it drop. I would have secured you the appointment, could I have done so conscientiously, but I cannot; and the matter is at an end.”
“At least you can tell me why you will not?” said Hamish, speaking with some sarcasm, in the midst of his respect.
“I have already declined to do so. Ask your own conscience, Hamish.”
“The worst criminal has a right to know his accusation, Mr. Huntley. Otherwise he cannot defend himself.”
“It will be time enough for you to defend yourself when you are publicly accused. I shall say no more upon the point. I am sorry your father mentioned the thing to you, necessitating this explanation, so far; I have also been sorry for having ever mentioned it to him. My worst explanation will be with your father, for I cannot enter into cause and effect, any more than I can to you.”
“I have for some little time been conscious of a change in your manner towards me, Mr. Huntley.”
“Ay—no doubt.”
“Sir, you ought to tell me what has caused it. I might explain away any prejudice or wrong impression—”
“There, that will do,” interrupted Mr. Huntley. “It is neither prejudice nor wrong impression that I have taken up. And now I have said the last word upon the matter that I shall say.”
“But, sir—”