learn law enough to look after your own property when I’m out o’ the light, and you’ll have to be solid with the best men in the market (they are useful later); and above all, you’ll have to stow away the plain, common, sit-down-with-your chin-on your-elbows book-learning. Nothing pays like that, Harve, and it’s bound to pay more and more each year in our country—in business and in politics. You’ll see.”
“There’s no sugar in my end of the deal,” said Harvey. “Four years at college! ’Wish I’d chosen the valet and the yacht!”
“Never mind, my son,” Cheyne insisted. “You’re investing your capital where it’ll bring in the best returns; and I guess you won’t find our property shrunk any when you’re ready to take hold. Think it over, and let me know in the morning. Hurry! We’ll be late for supper!”
As this was a business talk, there was no need for Harvey to tell his mother about it; and Cheyne naturally took the same point of view.
But Mrs. Cheyne saw and feared, and was a little jealous. Her boy, who rode roughshod over her, was gone, and in his stead reigned a keen-faced youth, abnormally silent, who addressed most of his conversation to his father. She understood it was business, and therefore a matter beyond her premises.
If she had any doubts, they were resolved when Cheyne went to Boston and brought back a new diamond marquise ring.
“What have you two been doing now?” she said, with a weak little smile, as she turned it in the light.
“Talking—just talking, Mama; there’s nothing mean about