"I just wanted to tell you, sir," said Murray to his father, "something I thought you might like to know right away. I--went West to make myself strong enough to--to go into the business, if you care to have me. I mean," he went on quickly, as his father looked at him as if he could not quite believe the purport of these words, "I mean in whatever capacity you can use me. Shipping-clerk, if you think I 'd better begin at the bottom"--and his smile was not a smile which supplied "but of course you won't."
Mr. Townsend stood looking at Murray, studying the straightforward gaze which met his; noting the tints of health, the signs of vigour in the fine face. "Murray, do you mean it?" he asked.
"I do, sir."
"And yet you don't like the prospect of a business life any more than you ever did, do you?"
"Not much, sir."
"You make this offer knowing fully what it entails? I have little expectation that your brother will ever agree to my wishes."
"That's what decided me."
"You are willing to give up your books? You could complete your college course now, with your renewed health."
If Murray winced at this he did not let it show.
"I think you need me now, sir. And as for the college course--and the books--I shall have my evenings."