"He doesn't give this as a reason."
"No; we are not acquainted with each other personally, and he could hardly have alluded to my conduct in this matter. It was easier for him to give a mere notice such as this. But not the less do I understand it. The intention was that the elder Mowbray should remain for another year, and the younger for two years. Of course he is at liberty to change his mind; nor do I feel myself entitled to complain. A school such as mine must depend on the credit of the establishment. He has heard, no doubt, something of the story which has injured our credit, and it is natural that he should take the boys away."
"Do you think that the school will be put an end to?"
"It looks very like it."
"Altogether?"
"I shall not care to drag it on as a failure. I am too old now to begin again with a new attempt if this collapses. I have no offers to fill up the vacancies. The parents of those who remain, of course, will know how it is going with the school. I shall not be disposed to let it die of itself. My idea at present is to carry it on without saying anything till the Christmas holidays, and then to give notice to the parents that the establishment will be closed at Midsummer."
"Will it make you very unhappy?"
"No doubt it will. A man does not like to fail. I am not sure but what I am less able to bear such failure than most men."
"But you have sometimes thought of giving it up."
"Have I? I have not known it. Why should I give it up? Why should any man give up a profession while he has health and strength to carry it on?"