“Well; and what then?” said the merchant, with a wave of his hand. “And I am your only child.” “Of that, at least, there can be no doubt. But I repeat, what then?” “I may be wrong,” said Gervase, ingenuously, “but at least everybody says--that every means of making an income is pursued by crowds of people, more than can ever hope to make an income by it. I may not state the facts so clearly as I wish.” “There are more men wanting work than there is work to give them. I suppose that’s what you mean.” “Far better said than I could say it. In that case, my dear father,” said Gervase, with a look of imperturbable reason and candour, “why should I, who have no need to work and no desire for it, help to crowd the already overcrowded field?” Mr Burton gave a start like an excited horse, and evidently had to make an effort to restrain the corresponding burst of utterance. But the conviction that these impatient outbursts did more harm than good restrained him. He said with simulated calm-- “I am not aware that there is any crowd--at my gates, to force an entrance into _my_ business--to the place which I have naturally reserved for my son.” “My dear father,” Gervase repeated, with an almost caressing frankness and appeal to his superior judgment, “there are hundreds who could do it much better than your son. There is Wickham’s son----” “Try not to drive me beyond the bounds of patience,” cried the merchant, with suppressed excitement. “Wickham’s son--my old clerk----” “Who has served you most faithfully for years. And Charlie Wickham is worth twenty of me--in all that concerns business----” “That’s not saying very much,” cried Mr Burton, with a snort of rage. “I am sorry you should say that, sir--for, of course, it shows that you thought I would be a mere cipher in the business; whereas I am sure Charlie----” “Look here, Gervase,” cried his father. “Let’s understand each other. You are free to come in and prepare yourself to take my place, which would be the course of nature; but if you don’t think fit to do this, I have no desire for your advice. I don’t believe in your advice. Keep your suggestions to yourself. As for your Wickhams---- If I bring in anybody in your place, I’ll bring in new blood. I’ll bring in more money. I’ll----” He felt himself getting hot and excited--and the calm and slightly wondering countenance of his son, although seen through a mist of irritation, and apt to send any man dancing with fury, yet held him in as with a bridle, so strong was the superiority of the calm to the excitement. “Try not to drive me beyond the bounds of patience,” he said.