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?"