He was not deficient in mental courage, though Sir Robert, in the plenitude of his wisdom, had thought fit to brand him as a coward.
The bar was next proposed for his consideration, but the lad replied firmly, "I don't mean to be a lawyer." "Your reasons, sir ?" cried Sir Robert in a tone which seemed to forbid a liberty of choice.
"I have neither talent nor inclination for the profession." "And pray, sir, what have you talent or inclination for ?" "A merchant," returned Geoffrey calmly and decidedly, without appearing to notice his aristocratic sire's look of withering contempt.

"I have no wish to be a poor gentleman.

Place me in my Uncle Drury's counting-house, and I will work hard and become an independent man." Now this Uncle Drury was brother to the late Lady Moncton, who had been married by the worthy Baronet for her wealth.

He was one of Sir Robert's horrors--one of those rich, vulgar connections which are not so easily shaken off, and whose identity is with great difficulty denied to the world.

Sir Robert vowed, that if the perverse lad persisted in his grovelling choice, though he had but two sons, he would discard him altogether.
Obstinacy is a family failing of the Monctons.