Giant’s Bread · Book II · V · Chapter 2 5 5

V

The interview between Vernon and his uncle wasn’t very satisfactory. Uncle Sydney was both annoyed and upset though he tried to conceal the fact from Vernon. He was uncertain at first which line to take, and made one or two vague sallies in different directions.

“Nonsense, all nonsense, much too young to marry. Packet of nonsense.”

Vernon reminded his uncle of his own words.

“Pooh!⁠—I didn’t mean this kind of marriage. Society girl⁠—I know what they are.”

Vernon broke out hotly.

“Sorry, my boy, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. But that kind of girl wants to marry money. You’ll be no use to her for many years to come.”

“I thought perhaps⁠—”

Vernon paused. He felt ashamed, uncomfortable.

“That I’d set you up with a large income, hey? Is that what the young lady suggested? Now, I put it to you, my boy, would that be business? No, I see that you know it isn’t.”

“I don’t feel that I’m even worth what you give me, Uncle Sydney.”

“Pooh, pooh, I wasn’t saying that. You’re doing very well for a start. I’m sorry about this affair⁠—it will upset you. My advice to you is, give the whole thing up. Much the best thing to do.”

“I can’t do that, Uncle Sydney.”

“Well, it’s not my business. By the way, have you talked it over with your mother? No? Well, you have a good talk with her. See if she doesn’t say the same as I do. I bet she will. And remember the old saying, a boy’s best friend is his mother⁠—hey?”

Why did Uncle Sydney say such idiotic things? He always had as far back as Vernon could remember. And yet he was a shrewd and clever business man.

Well, there was nothing for it. He must buckle to⁠—and wait. The first misty enchantment of love was wearing off. It could be hell as well as heaven. He wanted Nell so badly⁠—so badly.

He wrote to her:

Darling, there is nothing for it. We must be patient and wait. At any rate we’ll see each other often. Your mother was really very decent about it⁠—much more so than I thought she’d be. I do quite see the force of all she said. It’s only fair that you should be free to see if you like anyone better than me. But you won’t, will you, darling? I know you won’t. We’re going to love each other forever and ever. And it won’t matter how poor we are⁠ ⁠… the tiniest place with you⁠ ⁠…”