"Indeed?" said Faraday for the third time; adding something about "congratulation." He hoped the episode was over—but William was only beginning.
"I've been wondering," he said, "what I should do—now that I'm independent. I don't want to go on like this. It's a waste—when you've got money. But I don't know how to set about things.... If some one would put me in the way!"
Faraday, raising his eyes from the ledger, met the wistful appeal in William's and imagined himself enlightened.
"I see," he said interrogatively; "then you haven't got your living to earn—you are not tied here any longer? You can direct your own life and take up any line you choose?"
"Yes," William assented, pleased with the phrase; "I can direct my own life—certainly."
"Which," Faraday suggested, "was difficult for you before?"
"Very," said William emphatically.
"And," the other went on, "now that you are your own man you wish to take the line that attracts you and be of some use?"
"Oh, certainly," William assented again—perhaps a shade less emphatically. So far his ideas had run more upon pleasure than usefulness.
Faraday reflected with his chin resting on his hand.