drew together.

"Well, yes, I am, Dick,--most particularly busy just now;" for there
was a look on his son's face that made him feel disinclined for
conversation.

"Oh, very well, then; I can leave it until after luncheon," was the
cheerful response; then Mr. Mayne knew that Dick was determined to
take the bull by the horns.

They went out after luncheon, taking the dogs with them, and turning
their steps in the direction of Sandy Lane. For the first mile, Dick
said very little; he had his eye on Vigo, who seemed to be inclined to
bolt. But when they had reached the second mile-stone, he cleared his
throat; and then Mr. Mayne knew that his trouble was beginning.

"Well, father," commenced Dick, "I think it is about time we had a
little serious talk together about my future plans. Of course I want
to know if I am to go down next term."

"I don't see that we need discuss that. You will read for your degree,
of course."

Mr. Mayne spoke fast and nervously; but Dick was quite cool,--at
least, outwardly so.

"There is no 'of course' in the matter. I can only read for my degree
on one condition."

"And what is that, may I ask?" with rising choler in his voice.

"That you will have Nan down to Longmead, and that you and my mother
sanction our engagement."

"Never, sir! never!" in a vehement tone.

"Please don't excite yourself, father. I think it is I who ought to be
excited; but, you see, I am quite cool,--perfectly so. I am far too
much in earnest to be otherwise. When a man's future prospects are at
stake, and his own father seems determined to thwart him, it is time
to summon up all one's energies. I hope you are not serious in what
you say,--that you do absolutely refuse to sanction my engagement with
Nan?"

"There is no engagement. If there were, I do absolutely refuse; nay,
more, I am determined actively to oppose it."

"I am sorry to find you have not changed your mind; for it makes all
the difference to me, I assure you. Very well: then I must go in for a
City life."

"Do you threaten me, sir?"

"No, father, I would not be so undutiful; but it is a pity your
throwing all that money away on my education if I am not to complete
it. If I had taken a good degree, I might have turned out something;
but never mind,--it can't be helped now. Then you will be kind enough
to write a letter of introduction to Stansfield & Stansfield?"

"No, sir; I will write no such letter!" thundered Mr. Mayne; and Dick