At
length, he said, with an effort:
"I ought to tell you, sir, that I am not on good terms with my
father, at present. In fact, he has cast me off. That is why I am
here supporting myself by hard work, instead of living in
idleness. But I'm beginning to like the work--and I'll make good--
I'll do it if only to show my father his mistake. That's what I
care about most. I don't want his money. It's easier to make money
than I thought. But I must succeed, for his sake and my own."
Despite his embarrassment, his face shone with sudden enthusiasm.
He looked purposeful and aggressive, with a certain sternness that
sat well upon his young manhood. Garavel lifted his brows.
"May I inquire the cause of this--estrangement?"
"Oh, general worthlessness on my part, I suppose. Come to think of
it, I must have been a good deal of a cross. I never did anything
very fierce, though." He smiled a little sadly. "I don't wonder
that I fail to impress you."
A quick light of thought flashed through the banker's eyes. He was
a keen judge of men.
"Well, well," he said, with a trace of impatience, "there is no
need to go into the matter further. Your proposal is impossible--
for many reasons it is impossible, and yet--your spirit is
commendable.
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