“Well, father,” commenced Dick, “I think it is about time we had a little serious talk together about my future plans. Of course I want to know if I am to go down next term.”
“I don’t see that we need discuss that. You will read for your degree, of course.”
Mr. Mayne spoke fast and nervously; but Dick was quite cool,—at least, outwardly so.
“There is no ‘of course’ in the matter. I can only read for my degree on one condition.”
“And what is that, may I ask?” with rising choler in his voice.
“That you will have Nan down to Longmead, and that you and my mother sanction our engagement.”
“Never, sir! never!” in a vehement tone.
“Please don’t excite yourself, father. I think it is I who ought to be excited; but, you see, I am quite cool,—perfectly so. I am far too much in earnest to be otherwise. When a man’s future prospects are at stake, and his own father seems determined to thwart him, it is time to summon up all one’s energies. I hope you are not serious in what you say,—that you do absolutely refuse to sanction my engagement with Nan?”
“There is no engagement. If there were, I do absolutely refuse; nay, more, I am determined actively to oppose it.”
“I am sorry to find you have not changed your mind; for it makes all the difference to me, I assure you. Very well: then I must go in for a City life.”