Dick was in an execrable humor: he was tired and worried, and his boots were muddy. And what was the use of being still contumacious, unless his obstinacy were to be a spectacle to men and gods,—unless he were to flaunt his ill humor in the face of his tyrant, and make his father’s soul wretched within him? Such is youthful reasoning, that hates to veil its feelings unobserved.
Dick had not perceived Sir Harry’s card, so he stared at the intruder a little coolly. Sir Harry returned his look with a glance of mingled surprise and amusement.
“Is this the young gentleman in question?” he asked, in a tone that roused Dick’s ire. To tell the truth, he was a little disappointed by Nan’s choice. It was not so much Dick’s want of good looks, but in Sir Harry eyes he appeared somewhat insignificant; and then a scowl is not always becoming to a face. Dick’s bright genial expression was wanting; he looked a little too like his father at this moment for Sir Harry’s taste.
“Do you mean me?” observed Dick, in a magnificent tone. “Is it I who am the young gentleman in question?—Father, will you have the goodness to introduce me to this gentleman with whom you have been talking me over?” And Dick twirled his moustache angrily.
Mr. Mayne looked at his son’s moody face, and his feelings underwent a sudden revulsion; but before he could speak Sir Harry stepped in nimbly before him:
“Well now, I like spirit—no one cares to be talked about behind 326 one’s back. Supposing we shake hands, you and I, as we are to be so nearly related. I am Nan’s guardian, her next of kin,—Sir Harry Challoner, at your service; and Nan sends her love and you are a lucky fellow, that is what you are!” exclaimed Sir Harry, genially, as he struck Dick a sounding blow on his shoulder. But Dick did not wince; and, though the diamond ring cut into his hand as they exchanged that grasp, no expression of pain crossed his face, which became all at once quite radiant.
Sir Harry hailed the metamorphosis with delight. Here was the real Dick emerging like a young sun-god from the clouds.
“Come, that is first-rate; I like the look of you better now,” he said, with an appreciative nod.
“Father, what does this mean?” faltered Dick.
“It means,” growled Mr. Mayne, for he could not get quite amiable all at once, though his heart was lightening in his bosom, “it means that I am an old fool, Dick, and that you are a young one.”