"Have done with Hal," said Captain Merrifield, still with
displeasure. "I wouldn't take him now on any account. If the
Grevilles lead him wrong, what would he do among the mids? If he
acts dishonourably here, we should have him disgracing himself and
his profession. Since he can't take it, and you won't, I shall try
to make some exchange of the chance till John or David will be old
enough."
"But Papa, I--" began Sam.
"_I_ don't want to force you to it," continued Captain Merrifield, in
his vexed voice. "I never mean to force my sons to any profession if
I can help it; and you have a right to be considered. It has always
been a disadvantage to me, and to this place, that I was bred to the
sea instead of to farming; and though you can't live on the property
without some profession, it may be quite as well that you should turn
your mind to something else--only if it be the army, I can't help you
on in it."
"I had rather go to sea, if you please," said Sam.
"Don't say so to please me," said his father. "I tell you, the
examinations are a pretty deal harder than they were in my time.
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