The Argosy — page 255: what you’re looking at

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236 Five Thousand a Year. **So soon !” ‘Some old rule they recalled to my recollection, which I declare I had forgotten, that no one employed in the company must put a finger into any other pie. I would not have minded staying on a quarter of a year longer, till the warm weather has come in and the thing is more afloat. But I don’t care about it. It is as well as it is. So, in a few days, Margaret, I shall be my own master: a gentleman at large.” “Adam,” said Mrs. Grainger, thoughtfully, ‘‘do you consider it will be prudent to throw up your situation before you receive returns from the other thing? ” ‘“‘T cannot retain it, as I have connected myself with the mines. Did you not understand me?” ~ “You are sure of these returns from the mines ?” “The returns are as sure as if I had them at this moment in my hand. ‘They will be speedy, too, Margaret.” Still Mrs. Grainger looked thoughtful. ‘‘ A thousand a year—twelve hundred you say now, I am sure they are very liberal—is a serious sum to give up without equivalent. Remember, we have four chil- dren.” “Without equivalent!” repeated Mr. Grainger, opening his eyes in wonder. ‘‘ Why, Margaret, you are borrowing ideas from Gatherby and Phelps. The equivalent will come in the shape of four or five times as much.” ‘Well, you understand business matters better than I do. But I wish — you could retain your post until the other returns were assured.” “Don’t look so gloomy, Margaret.” “Did I look gloomy? I did not know it. I was only thinking.” ‘What were you thinking ?” ‘“‘ Adam, let me speak out. I know your nature is so very sanguine that I believe you see things with a brighter hue than most men. I was thinking, if the Trebeddon mines should not turn out as you expect— they shoud fail—where shall we be?” ; ‘Upon my word and honour, Margaret, you pay me a very high com- pliment! How long have you thought me a simpleton? Do you sup- pose I cannot see the way before me clearer than that? It is not a bit of use talking to women about business,” he continued, oe con- siderably. ‘They can’t understand it.” ‘¢ My dear husband, your interests and mine are the same,” she gently said. ‘If I beg you to be cautious and prudent, it is for your sake as much as mine. Think of the children.”’ “T do think of them: and of you, too. It is for their future that I am anxious to amass wealth. Were IJ a single man, with only myself to look to, I might go on in the old humdrum way. Twelve hundred a © year would suffice me well.” | Eomicbooks.com