Still, twenty-three is old, in one way.

A young man ought to be earning his living by that time.

If Tom were doing that, or was even trying to do it, the judge would be a heap better satisfied with him.

Tom's always going to begin, but somehow he can't seem to find just the opening he likes." "Well, now, it's partly the judge's own fault.

Promising the boy his property wasn't the way to set him to earning a fortune of his own.