"I was afraid some one might be sick, from your coming over.
However, I suppose you have some errand in Somerset."

"My only errand is to call upon you, uncle."

"I suppose I am to consider that a compliment," said the old
bachelor, not ill pleased. "Well, and when are you going to be ready
for college?"

"I can be ready to enter in September," replied Grant.

"That is good. All you will have to do will be to present yourself
for examination. I shall see you through, as I have promised."

"You are very kind, Uncle Godfrey," said Grant; and then he
hesitated.

"It's Thornton family pride, Grant. I want my nephew to be somebody.
I want you to be a professional man, and take a prominent place in
the world."

"Can't I be somebody without becoming a professional man, or---"

"Or, what?" asked his uncle, abruptly.

"Getting a college education?" continued Grant.

"What does this mean?" asked the old lawyer, knitting his brow.
"You're not getting off the notion of going to college, I hope?"