The Great Exhibition was a year or two distant, but preparations were already being made, and Mr. Rollinson heard of several investments in regard to it that promised well; a scheme for obtaining all the printing work sounded so excellent that he brought it to the notice of his friend; the drawback was that only five thousand pounds appeared to be required. On Fennell’s earnest appeal he agreed to stand aside, and allow the doctor to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“But don’t you go forgetting that I warned you there was a risk.”
“Nothing venture, George,” said Fennell contentedly, “nothing have!”
When the auction took place in Bloomsbury Square, Mr. Rollinson acting, so it was rumoured, from motives of generosity towards an old and valued friend overtaken by misfortune, made arrangements with dealers, and purchased nearly all of Dr. Fennell’s furniture. He also bought the remainder of the lease. The goodwill he obtained at a fair price, and sold at another, and the ground floor was let to a new man who was told to keep the practice going for sixteen or eighteen years.
“What’s the idea of arranging that, Mr. R.?” asked his wife respectfully.
“Don’t you ask questions,” he retorted. “I’m looking well ahead!”
“If it’s something in store for our boy, I’m quite satisfied.”
“It is something for my boy, but I don’t care a hang whether you are satisfied or not.”
“Do you think we ought to get a governess in for him, Mr. R.?”
“I shall take charge of his education, and I don’t want no one interferin’. I’m a going to have him brought up proper, so as he’ll turn out to be a credit to me, later on. And, although it’s got nothing to do with you, I don’t mind mentioning that trouble will be no object. No object, whatsoever. I’ve got along pretty well without much beyond readin’ and writin’ and figurin’, and it stands to reason he’ll have a better chance than what I did, if he’s fitted out more complete. But don’t you go putting your spoke in, or else me and you’ll have words. Quite enough for you that he’s going to be brought up to be a doctor and a gentleman. Especially a gentleman!”