He spoke as one who cannot believe the evidence of his ears.
"But it's in the army, father! Do you realise what you are saying?
You want me to think of my career in the British Army ?" Consistency however had no charms for Mr.Hazlewood at this moment.
"Exactly," he cried.

"We don't want to prejudice that--do we?
No, no, Richard! Oh, I hear the finest things about you.

And they push the young men along nowadays.

You don't have to wait for grey hairs before you're made a General, Richard, so we must keep an eye on our prospects, eh?
And for that reason it would be advisable perhaps"-- and the old man's eyes fell from Dick's face to his papers--"yes, it would certainly be advisable to let your engagement remain for a while just a private matter between the three of us." He took up his pen as though the matter was decided and discussion at an end.

But Dick did not move from his side.