"roof" and "disgrace to the family," Frank
had announced that he proposed to take his father at his word, sell up
his property and set out like a prince in a fairy-tale to make his
fortune.

* * * * *

Jack had argued till he was sick of it, and to no avail. Frank had a
parry for every thrust. Why wouldn't he wait a bit until the governor
had had time to cool down? Because the governor must learn, sooner or
later, that words really meant something, and that he--Frank--was not
going to stand it for one instant.

Why wouldn't he come and stay at Barham till further notice? They'd all
be delighted to have him: It was only ten miles off Merefield, and
perhaps--Because Frank was not going to sponge upon his friends. Neither
was he going to skulk about near home. Well, if he was so damned
obstinate, why didn't he go into the City--or even to the Bar? Because
(1) he hadn't any money; and (2) he would infinitely sooner go on the
tramp than sit on a stool. Well, why didn't he enlist, like a
gentleman? Frank dared say he would some time, but he wanted to stand by
himself a bit first and see the world.

"Let's see the letter again," said Jack at last. "Where is it?"

Frank reflected.

"I think it's in that tobacco-jar just behind your head," he said. "No,
it isn't; it's in the pouch on the floor. I know I associated it somehow
with smoking. And, by the way, give me a cigarette."

Jack tossed him his case, opened the pouch, took out the letter, and
read it slowly through again.

"Merefield Court,
"near Harrogate.
"May 28th, _Thursday_.

"I am ashamed of you, sir. When you first told me of your
intention, I warned you what would happen if you persisted, and
I repeat it now. Since you have deliberately chosen, in spite
of all that I have said, to go your own way, and to become a
Papist, I will have no more to do with you. From this moment
you cease to be my son. You shall not, while I live, darken my
doors again, or sleep under my roof. I say nothing of what you
have had from me in the past--your education and all the rest.
And, since I do not wish to be unduly hard upon you, you can
keep the remainder of your allowance up to July and the
furniture of your rooms. But, after that, not one penny shall
you have from me. You can go to your priests and get them to
support you.

"I am o