“I knew you would think so, my dear,” said Mr Barker. “You are perfectly right. You must not be separated, if it can possibly be avoided. I have been consulting with my wife about it, and we have devised a plan for you: but it is yet only a scheme; it is very doubtful whether we can carry it through. I am afraid, however, that Charles must leave you.”
“I have been telling Jane, Sir,” said Charles, “that I should most likely have to go to some situation where I may maintain myself. I hope, Sir, that that is what you mean.”
“And do you think, Charles, that at your age you can work for your own support?”
“Yes, Sir, I do, because others have done it before me. My father taught me enough of business to qualify me for a situation in a merchant’s warehouse. At least, he said, only a few weeks ago, that if I was but industrious, I need never be dependent, and that therefore he was easy about me. I hope you think so too, Sir.”
“I do, my boy,” replied Mr Barker: “as far as skill and industry go, you are to be trusted. But you have not considered, you do not know, the difficulties and dangers which are met with when young men leave their father’s house, and go by themselves into the world, especially into the London world, to which you may be destined.”
“If you mean temptations to do wrong, Sir,” said Charles, “I have been warned by my father about them. But, O, Sir, is it possible, do you think, with all the advantages I have had, with my father’s example always before me, with all that is now depending upon me, being, as I am, the brother on whom three sisters rely for support and assistance, is it possible that I should neglect them? that I should disgrace them? that I should forget all my father has done for me? Jane will trust me, I am sure.”
He looked towards his sister, and a few proud tears swelled into his eyes.
“No doubt, Charles, your sister feels that she can trust you; and, young as you are, I believe that I can too. But there are many difficulties to be encountered besides direct temptations to crime.”
“If I am made fairly to understand, Sir, what is to be required of me, the extent of my trust, I hope I shall meet with no difficulties which honourable principle, industry, and perseverance cannot overcome.”
“We will talk more of this, my dear boy, when we have some situation in prospect for you. I hope it may not be difficult to procure one. Your father’s name will be a good passport. Then, I hope, I understand that you both approve this first scheme of ours?”