'
'I quite understand,' interrupted Topham, in whom there began to stir a
thought which made his brain warm. 'You would like to retire from business.
And you would like to--well, to pursue your studies more seriously.'
Again Wigmore looked grateful, but even yet the burden was not off his
mind.
'I know,' he resumed presently, turning his hat round and round, 'that it
sounds a strange thing to say, but--well, sir, I've always done my best to
live as a religious man.'
'Of that I have no doubt whatever, Mr. Wigmore.'
'Well, then, sir, what I should like to ask you is this. Do you think, if I
gave up the shop and worked very hard at my studies--with help, of course,
with help,--do you think, Mr. Starkey, that I could hope to get on?'
He was red as a peony; his voice choked.
'You mean,' put in Topham, he, too, becoming excited, 'to become a really
well-educated man?'
'Yes, sir, yes. But more than that. I want, Mr. Starkey, to make
myself--something--so that my daughters and my sons-in-law would never feel
ashamed of me--so that their children won't be afraid to talk of their
grandfather. I know it's a very bold thought, sir, but if I could--'
'Speak, Mr. Wigmore,' cried Topham, quivering with curiosity, 'speak more
plainly.
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