"You are now in
your own home, M. Wilkie," said M. Patterson in his most
impressive manner. "You are now old enough to be responsible for
your own actions, and I hope you will conduct yourself like an
honest man. From this moment you are your own master. Those who
gave you your education desire you to study law. If I were in
your place, I should obey them. If you wish to be somebody, and
to acquire a fortune, work, for you have no property, nor anything
to expect from any one. The allowance which is granted you, a far
too liberal one in my opinion, may be cut off at any moment. I
don't think it right to conceal this fact from you. But at all
events until then. I am instructed to pay you five thousand
francs quarterly. Here is the amount for the first quarter, and
in three months' time I shall send you a similar amount. I say
'shall SEND,' because my business compels me to return to England,
and take up my abode there. Here is my London address; and if any
serious trouble befalls you, write to me. Now, my duty being
fulfilled, farewell."
"Go to the devil, you old preacher!" growled Wilkie, as he saw the
door close on the retreating figure of M. Patterson, who had acted
as his guardian for ten years. None of M. Patterson's wise advice
lingered in the young fellow's mind. To use a familiar
expression, "It went in through one ear and came out through the
other.
Pages:
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94