The next day Hubert announced his plans to Sir Nicholas, and a conflict
followed.
"I cannot go on, sir," he said, "I cannot wait for ever. I am treated
like a servant, too; and you know how miserably I am paid, I have obeyed
you for six years, sir; and now I have thrown up the post and told my
lord to his face that I can bear with him no longer."
Sir Nicholas' face, as he sat in his upright chair opposite the boy, grew
flushed with passion.
"It is your accursed temper, sir," he said violently. "I know you of old.
Wait? For what? For the Protestant girl? I told you to put that from your
mind, sir."
Hubert did not propose as yet to let his father into all his plans.
"I have not spoken her name, sir, I think. I say I cannot wait for my
fortune; I may be impatient, sir--I do not deny it."
"Then how do you propose to better it?" sneered his father.
"In November," said Hubert steadily, looking his father in the eyes, "I
sail with Mr. Drake."
Sir Nicholas' face grew terrific. He rose, and struck the table twice
with his clenched fist.
"Then, by God, sir, Mr. Drake may have you now."
Hubert's face grew white with anger; but he had his temper under control.
"Then I wish you good-day, sir," and he left the room.
When the boy had left the house again for London, as he did the same
afternoon, Lady Maxwell tried to soothe the old man. It was impossible,
even for her, to approach him before.
"Sweetheart," she said tranquilly, as he sat and glowered at his plate
when supper was over and the men had left the room, "sweetheart, we must
have Hubert down here again.
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