In a quiet way Mr Rubb did talk to his neighbour. Upstairs he had spoken a word or two about Littlebath, saying how glad he was that he had been there. He should always remember Littlebath as one of the pleasantest places he had ever seen. He wished that he lived at Littlebath; but then what was the good of his wishing anything, knowing as he did that he was bound for life to Rubb and Mackenzie’s counting house!
“And you will earn your livelihood there,” Miss Mackenzie had replied.
“Yes; and something more than that I hope. I don’t mind telling you,—a friend like you,—that I will either spoil a horn or make a spoon. I won’t go on in the old groove, which hardly gives any of us salt to our porridge. If I understand anything of English commerce, I think I can see my way to better things th
