How difficult it was to do anything, both felt. But after a deliberate pause of some seconds, Rufus answered,
"There is only one thing to do. — I shall go to College."
"To College! — Will?"
The changes in the face of the younger boy were sudden and startling. One moment the coronation of hope; the next moment despair had thrown the coronet off; one more, and the hand of determination, — like Napoleon's, — had placed it firmly on his brow; and it was never shaken again. But he said nothing; and both waited a little, till thoughts could find words.
"Rufus, — do papa and mamma know about this?"
"Not yet."
"What will they think of it?"
"I don't know — they must think of it as I do. My mind is made up. I can't stay here."
"But some preparation is necessary, Rufus, ain't it? — we must know more than we do before we can go to College, mustn't we? How will you get that?"
"I don't know, I will get it. Preparation! — yes!"