“Well, I think you are a bit. It’s easier to see that sort of thing than to define it. You don’t stick sufficiently tight to your own work. No, no, don’t think I mean you idle; you don’t, but you’ll do the other fellows’ work for them when they are larking, and let them take a turn at yours when you want to be off to the electrical works. The office was always a bit too free and easy, and we wanted to stiffen it up by putting you in. But if anything it’s got worse.”
Oscar laughed a little. North’s friendly manner relieved him of the fear that he had given dissatisfaction with his own share in what was required of him. He had been really doing his best, and had learned a great deal during the past months.
“It seems friendlier, somehow,” he said. “They are all nice fellows, and we work amicably together. I didn’t know it mattered sharing the work. They seemed used to it.”
“It doesn’t matter in moderation,” answered North. “We’re not fussy, my father and I. But don’t be too easy-going, Oscar. As you are one of the family, they will look up to you, and take their cue from you more or less. Business is business all the world over, and you’d do well to keep that fact sternly in mind.”
“I’ll try,” answered Oscar readily, “and I hope you’ll always tell me, North, if you see anything in which I fail. I want to justify your father’s opinion that I should do for the business, and I’m quite sensible of his kindness in taking me on.”
“Well, he’s glad enough to give you the sort of berth Cyril would have had if he’d not turned out too much the fine gentleman,” said North with one of his grim smiles. “My father never seriously thought of putting Cyril into the business, he was always thought to be a cut above it. But he often said he wished he had another son. You have come to fill that place, Oscar.”
The youth’s face flushed with pleasure. It was not often that North spoke with so much friendly unreserve. In the main he was a silent, self-contained man, though friendly enough to his younger cousin. But to-day his reserve seemed to have evaporated, and the next minute he spoke again.
“Don’t let Cyril get you too much into his set, Oscar. I know, of course, that you must have a good deal in common, being University men and all that. But I’m not always best pleased with the sort of fellows Cyril takes up with. I think they make him extravagant, and teach him expensive habits. It’s all very well for him. He manages to get a large allowance from the governor. But it wouldn’t suit your pocket or mine.”
“I don’t think I care much for Cyril’s friends,” said Oscar slowly. “Only when he asks me to go with him it seems churlish to refuse, when I’ve nothing else I want to do.”
“Well, I’d not mind seeming a bit churlish sometimes,” said North. “Indeed I’ve put up with the accusation myself, though I was never a fine enough gentleman for Cyril to care much for my company. But I wouldn’t let him take you up and drag you about too much if I were you. It won’t pay in the long run.”