"But, you see, it's time that you should think of your future--or at least prepare for it.

I mean you ought to have some more regular education.

You will have to go to school.

It's too bad," he added fretfully, with a certain impatient forgetfulness of Clarence's presence, and as if following his own thought.

"Just as you are becoming of service to me, and justifying your ridiculous position here--and all this d--d nonsense that's gone before--I mean, of course, Clarence," he interrupted himself, catching sight of the boy's whitening cheek and darkening eye, "I mean, you know--this ridiculousness of my keeping you from school at your age, and trying to teach you myself--don't you see." "You think it is--ridiculous," repeated Clarence, with dogged persistency.
"I mean I am ridiculous," said Don Juan hastily.