"Why, of course I do, Uncle Hugh," said Frank, in slight surprise. "It was always intended so. I came here, you know, for two years, and I have stayed longer than that."
"And you would not like to remain altogether, and be my partner and successor?"
"No," replied Frank, very promptly. "It would be a poor living for two people; my share of it very small, for I could not expect you to give me half the profits. And there are other reasons against it. No, Uncle Hugh; what I want to do is, to jump into some snug little practice in a place where I shall get on. Say in London."
A smile crossed the more experienced doctor's lips. Young men are sanguine.
"It is not easy to 'jump into a snug little practice,' Frank."
"I know that, sir: but there are two ways in which it may be done. One way is, to purchase a share in an established practice; another, to set up well in some likely situation, with a good house and a plate on the door, and all that, and wait for patients to drop in."
"But each of those ways requires money, Frank."
"Oh, of course," acquiesced Frank, lightly, as though money were the most ordinary commodity on earth.
"Well, Frank, where would you find the money? You have not saved much, I take it, out of the salary you have from me."
"I have not saved anything: I am never a pound to the good," answered Frank, candidly. "Clothes cost a good deal, for one thing."