"
"Well, my dear, do as you think right; I trust it all to you. It is
sure to turn out the right sort of 'Magnum Bonum' to you—-"
The Monk's characteristic ring at the bell was heard, and the letter
was, without loss of time, committed to him, while both mother and
son watched him as he gathered up the sense.
"Well, this is jolly!" was his first observation. "Downright
handsome of Ruthven!" and then as the colour rose a little in his
face, "Just the thing for you, Jock, home work, which is exactly what
you, want."
"I'm not sure about that," said Jock; "I don't want to get into that
kind of practice just yet. It is fitter for a family man."
"And who is a family man if you are not?" said John. "Wasn't it the
very cause of your taking this line?"
"There's a popular prejudice in favour of wives, rather than
mothers," said Jock. "I should have said you were more likely to
fulfil the conditions."
"Oh!" and there was a sound in that exclamation that belied the
sequel, "that's just nonsense! The offer is to you primarily, and it
is your duty to take it."
"I had much rather you did, and so had Dr. Ruthven. I want more time
for study and experience, and have set my heart on some scientific
appointment-—"
"Come now, my good fellow-—why, what are you laughing at?"
"Because you are such a good imitation of your father, my dear
Johnny," said his aunt.
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