A ray of sunlight touched the flowers, and outside the tower of the archives and the turret were bathed in light. The day made itself an accomplice with Mr. Roquevillard, courting his son with touching awkwardness. But only long afterward do sons appreciate their fathers’ patience with them, and then only through the apprenticeship of their own paternity. “Then I’m not to return to Mr. Frasne’s office?” asked Maurice. “No, it’s not necessary. You know enough now of the laws of succession. You can get an idea of business better here, and can attend court oftener. If you like, you can spend some months with your brother-in-law, Charles, who will initiate you into the fine points of procedure. He’s one of our busiest attorneys. Eventually you will make your début at the bar. If you want it, I’ve a very pretty case to offer you. It’s a very interesting point of law. It turns on the validity of a bill of sale.” Never had he pleaded with such care and condescension. But the young man let him talk. He reflected. “I thought it was understood,” he said, “that I should spend six months in Frasne’s office.” “Well, then, the six months have almost rolled by. You began there in June, and here we are at the end of October.” “But I took my vacation at the beginning of August, and it’s only a little while since I began again. And I’ve been examining some important liquidations these last days.” “We shall find plenty of liquidations for you in the law courts,” replied Mr. Roquevillard bluntly. “They come up oftenest of anything at trials. I have a number of unusual pieces of business for the reopening this time. You shall help me. Go get your papers from Frasne’s office and install yourself here.” “Mr. Frasne is away. It would be more courteous to wait till he gets back.” He piled up objections, but his father paid no heed to any of them. “He’s expected back to-morrow. Besides, I warned him about this before he went.” At this news, Maurice, who had been waiting for the excuse, grew refractory. “You warned him without saying anything to me about it? I shall never be anything but a little boy here, then. I am disposed of as if I were an object. But I don’t see why my independence must be sacrificed. I am free, and I expect at least to be consulted, even if I can’t have my own way.” In the face of this revolt, which he had expected, and of which he guessed the secret cause, Mr. Roquevillard preserved his calm, despite the disrespectful tone the conversation was taking on. He knew that thoroughbreds were the most difficult steeds to manage, as the most tempered characters required the most skilful handling. “Little boy or big boy, you are my son,” he said simply, “and I shall help you in the arrangements for your future.” But the young man pitched squarely upon the difficulty which both of them until then had kept in the background. “What’s the use in dissimulation? I know perfectly well why you are taking me away from Frasne’s office.”