"Did you find the papers you wanted, Sir?"
His eye flashed, and his lip curled. "What business is that of yours, Sir? I don't allow an impertinent boy to pry into my private affairs."
"My question was one of idle curiosity."
"Even as such, never dare to repeat it."
I was struck dumb, and concluded my breakfast without speaking to him again. When the tea equipage was removed, I rose to leave the room, but he motioned me to remain.
His anger had passed away, and his really handsome face wore a more agreeable expression than usual.
"Sit down, Geoffrey. I have long wished to converse with you upon your future prospects. What progress have you made in your profession?"
Astonished at his condescension, I told him candidly how I had of late improved my time, and studied late and early to acquire a competent knowledge of it in all its branches.
He was surprised, and appeared agreeably so.
"I had no idea of this, Geoffrey. Your industry has won for you a higher position than an office drudge. You cannot, however, make an able lawyer, without some knowledge of the world. To make a man of you it is absolutely necessary for you to go more into society."