Austen crossed the room and sat on the edge of the desk beside his father's chair.
“See here, Judge,” he said, “what are you driving at? Out with it.”
“When are you—going back West?” asked Mr. Vane.
Austen did not answer at once, but looked down into his father's inscrutable face.
“Do you want to get rid of me?” he said.
“Sowed enough wild oats, haven't you?” inquired the father.
“I've sowed a good many,” Austen admitted.
“Why not settle down?”
“I haven't yet met the lady, Judge,” replied his son.
“Couldn't support her if you had,” said Mr. Vane.