"Yes, if you deserved it," repeated Lawrence; "and I have no doubt that you would deserve it."
"But I fear that mother will not consent to such an arrangement," suggested George.
"I will confer with her upon the subject," replied Lawrence. "I think she will take the same view of it that I do."
Lawrence did confer with his mother concerning this venture, and found her wholly averse to the project.
"I can never consent that he should follow such a life," she said.
"But I am sure that he would distinguish himself there, and bring honor to the family," urged Lawrence.
"Character is worth more than distinction," responded Mrs. Washington. "I fear the effect of such a life upon his character."
"George can be trusted in any position, no matter what the temptations may be," Lawrence pleaded.
"That may be true, and it may not be true," remarked Mrs. Washington. "We ought not to incur the risk unless absolutely obliged to do it."