CHAPTER XXX 448
have to teach . What will you do with your accomplishments ? What , with the largest portion of your mind -- sentiments -- tastes ?"
" Save them till they are wanted . They will keep ." " You know what you undertake , then ?" " I do ."
He now smiled : and not a bitter or a sad smile , but one well pleased and deeply gratified .
" And when will you commence the exercise of your function ?"
" I will go to my house to-morrow , and open the school , if you like , next week ."
" Very well : so be it ."
He rose and walked through the room . Standing still , he again looked at me . He shook his head .
" What do you disapprove of , Mr . Rivers ?" I asked . " You will not stay at Morton long : no , no !" " Why ? What is your reason for saying so ?"
" I read it in your eye ; it is not of that description which promises the maintenance of an even tenor in life ."
" I am not ambitious ."
He started at the word " ambitious ." He repeated , " No . What made you think of ambition ? Who is ambitious ? I know I am : but how did you find it out ?"