"It seems to me that a way has opened out of the difficulty. I don't want him to go back to school again. He knows quite as much Latin as is required, in an importer of wines. I want him to learn Spanish and Portuguese, and to become a gentleman, and a man of the world. I have stuck to Philpot Lane, all my life; but there is no reason why he should do so, after me. Things are changing in the city, and many of our merchants no longer live there, but have houses in the country, and drive or ride to them. Some people shake their heads over what they call newfangled notions. I think it is good for a man to get right away from his business, when he has done work.
"But this is not the point. Bob is too young to begin to learn the business abroad. Two years too young, at least. But there is no reason why he should not begin to learn Spanish. Now, I thought if I could find someone I could intrust him to, where his home would be bright and pleasant, he might go there for a couple of years. Naturally I should be prepared to pay a fair sum--say 200 pounds a year--for him, for of course no one is going to be bothered with a boy, without being paid for it."
Carrie listened for something further to come. Then her husband broke in:
"I see what you are driving at, Mr. Bale, and Carrie and myself would be delighted to have him.
"Don't you see, Carrie? Your uncle means that Bob shall stop with us, and learn the language there."
"That would be delightful!" Carrie exclaimed, enthusiastically. "Do you really mean that, uncle?"
"That is really what I do mean, niece. It seems to me that that is the very best thing we could do with the young scamp."
"It would be capital!" Carrie went on. "It is what I should like above everything."
"A nicer arrangement couldn't be, Mr. Bale. It will suit us all. Bob will learn the language, he will be a companion to Carrie when I am on duty, and we will make a man of him. But he won't be able to go out with us, I am afraid. Officers' wives and families get their passages in the transports, but I am afraid it would be no use to ask for one for Bob. Besides, we sail in four days."
"No, I will arrange about his passage, and so on.