Apart from these communal matters he had much to do. In business hours business claimed him, and he answered zealously to the call. To such a man idleness would have been little less than a living death, and, taking up his residence in London, he embarked very soon in enterprises of magnitude. The knowledge he had gained during his partnership in France was of immense value to him, and in conjunction with other men of technical resource, he contracted for public works in various parts of the country. His fortune grew, and he gradually became wealthy. He moved from one house to another, and each move was a step up the ladder. A house in Prince's Gate came into the market, and Aaron purchased it, and furnished it with taste and elegance. There he entertained liberally but not lavishly, for his judgment led him always to the happy mean, and his house became the resort of men and women of intellect and culture. Mr. Moss, who was wedded to Portsmouth, and continued to flourish there, paid periodical visits to London, and was always welcome in Aaron's home. He was as musically inclined as ever; and opportunities were afforded him of hearing the finest singers and players at Prince's Gate. On occasions, Aaron readily consented to give an introduction, through concerts held in his house, to young aspirants in whom Mr. Moss took an interest; and to other budding talent in the same direction Aaron's rooms were always open. In relation to their intimacy in Gosport a conversation took place between Mr. Moss and Aaron some three years after the latter was settled in London. Aaron had just completed a successful contract, and business had called Mr. Moss to the metropolis. "I heard to-day," said Mr. Moss, "that you had cleared six or seven thousand pounds by the contract." "The balance on the right side," replied Aaron, "is a little over seven thousand." "I congratulate you. The gentleman I spoke with said that if he had had the contract he would have made a profit of three times as much." "It is likely." "Then, why didn't you do it, Cohen?" Aaron smiled and shook his head. "Let us speak of another subject." "But I want to get at the bottom of this. I should like you to know what the gentleman said about it." "Very well. What did he say?" "That you are ruining the labour market." "Ruin to some men may mean salvation to others. He doubtless gives an explanation. How am I ruining the labour market?" "By high wages and short hours." "That is a new view." "You do pay high wages, Cohen, according to what everybody says." "Oh, it's everybody now, as well as your gentleman friend. Yes, I pay good wages, and I don't consider them high." "And the hours are not as long as they might be." "Quite true. They might be twelve, fourteen, sixteen, out of the twenty-four. We read of such unfair strains upon human labour. My hours are reasonably long enough. If I am satisfied and my workmen are satisfied, I give offence to no man."