Impatience grew; a readiness to believe Richard Boyce as black as Erebus and be done with it,--so that one might get to the point--the real point.
As to the story, it came to this.

In his youth, Richard Boyce had been the younger and favourite son of his father.

He possessed some ability, some good looks, some manners, all of which were wanting in his loutish elder brother.

Sacrifices were accordingly made for him.

He was sent to the bar.