It ain't right to allow him to choke 'em up with nonsense." Ellen's expression was assent.
"Tell him to come down to the mill next Monday," said Hiram, after another silence, "and tell him to get some clothes that won't look ridiculous." He paused, then added; "A man that ain't ready to do anything, no matter what so long as it's useful and honest, is good for nothing." The night had bred in Arthur brave and bold resolves.

He would not tamely submit; he would cast his father off, would go forth and speedily carve a brilliant career.

He would show his father that, even if the training of a gentleman develops tastes above the coarseness of commerce, it also develops the mental superiority that makes fleeing chaff of the obstacles to fame and wealth.

He did not go far into details; but, as his essays at Harvard had been praised, he thought of giving literature's road to distinction the preference over the several others that must be smooth before him.

Daylight put these imaginings into silly countenance, and he felt silly for having lingered in their company, even in the dark.