“Oh.”  The doctor’s tone was more dry than he realized; but he was unwilling, for the boy’s own good, to show the pride he felt in his son.  “Suppose we talk this over, then, and see what plans we would better make.  I did want you to be a doctor, Allyn; it would have made me very happy, but I think it isn’t best for you.  It doesn’t seem to be just in your line, and I don’t believe in forcing you into the wrong profession.  Even if an engineer’s life meant hard work and disagreeable people and things around you, would you like to try it?”

“Yes.”

“You would be happy in it?”

“Yes.”

“You think you would stick to it through thick and thin?”

“Yes.”

There was no gush, no enthusiasm; yet something in the quiet affirmative carried conviction to the father’s mind.

“My boy,” he said, as he rested his hand on Allyn’s knee for a moment; “you are my youngest child, and very dear to me, dearer because for years your life has had to make up for the one that ended as yours began.  It has been my constant hope to make you into a broad and happy man, and a good one.  The rest doesn’t count for much in the long run.  If you really are sure that you care for machines, then let it be machines; only make up your mind to put your very best self into them, whether you oil up old ones or invent new ones.  It doesn’t make much difference what the work is; it makes a great deal of difference how you do it.  Now listen to me, for I am going to make a bargain with you.”

He paused and looked down into the brown eyes, and they looked back at him unfalteringly.

“If I give up my pet dream for you—­you will never know how often I have dreamed it, Allyn—­and let you throw over the idea of being a doctor, I shall expect you to keep on for two more years in your school and to take a good stand there.  A mechanic should be as well-balanced mentally as a doctor.  I want you to know some classics, some history.  Then, after that, if you still feel the same way about this, you may fit for any of the good technological schools you may choose, and I will do all I can to help you carry out your plans for your work.  Is it a bargain?”

Allyn’s hand met his father’s for a moment, and he nodded briefly.  That was all; but his father, as he watched him, was content without further demonstration.

“Then we’ll call it all settled,” he said briskly, as he took the reins once more.  “I’ll speak to the others about it, if you want.  Sometimes discussions of such things are a trial.  Next time, though,—­Has this been worrying you, Allyn?”

“A little.  I was afraid you wouldn’t like it.”

“I’m sorry.  Next time, come to me in the first of it, and we’ll talk it over together.  That’s what we fathers are for; and all we want for our sons is to see them strong and honest and content, determined to get the very best out of life as they go along.  The only question is, where the best lies, and that we must each one of us decide for himself.  That’s enough moral for one afternoon,” he added, laughing.