The
levity seems to have already impressed you. I am now reduced to showing
you the obstinacy." He sat down in a chair near the door and folded his
arms, still beaming pleasantly at his uncle.

"Oh, you won't go?" asked Sir Charles, grimly.

"No, sir; I will stay."

"Ambrose, step down and call a couple of chairmen."

"I should not advise it, sir. They will be hurt."

"I will put you out with my own hands."

"That, sir, you can always do. As my uncle, I could scarce resist you.
But, short of throwing me down the stair, I do not see how you can avoid
giving me half an hour of your attention."

Sir Charles smiled. He could not help it. There was so much that was
reminiscent of his own arrogant and eventful youth in the bearing of this
youngster. He was mollified, too, by the defiance of menials and quick
submission to himself. He turned to the glass and signed to Ambrose to
continue his duties.

"I must ask you to await the conclusion of my toilet," said he. "Then we
shall see how far you can justify such an intrusion."

When the valet had at last left the room Sir Charles turned his attention
once more to his scapegrace nephew, who had viewed the details of the
famous buck's toilet with the face of an acolyte assisting at a mystery.

"Now, sir," said the older man, "speak, and speak to the point, for I can
assure you that I have many more important matters which claim my
attention. The Prince is waiting for me at the present instant at
Carlton House. Be as brief as you can. What is it that you want?"

"A thousand pounds."

"Really! Nothing more?" Sir Charles had turned acid again.

"Yes, sir; an introduction to Mr. Brinsley Sheridan, whom I know to be
your friend."

"And why to him?"

"Because I am told that he controls Drury Lane Theatre, and I have a
fancy to be an actor. My friends assure me that I have a pretty talent
that way."

"I can see you clearly, sir, in Charles Surface, or any other part where
a foppish insolence is the essential. The less you acted, the better you
would be. But it is absurd to suppose that I could help you to such a
career. I could not justify it to your father. Return to Oxford at
once, and continue your studies."

"Impossible!"

"And pray, sir, what is the impediment?"

"I think I may have mentioned to you that I had an interview yesterday
with the Principal. He ended it by remarking that the authorities of the
University could tolerate me no mo