[The Celt and Saxon by George Meredith]@TWC D-Link bookThe Celt and Saxon CHAPTER XIV 17/31
It 's true I want to travel and see a bit of the world to help me in my work by and by. I'm ready to try anything I can do, though.' 'Has it ever struck you that you might try to help the poor ?' 'Arthur is really anxious, and only doubts his ability,' said Mrs. Adister. 'The doubt throws a shadow on the wish,' said Miss Mattock.
'And can one picture Colonel Adister the secretary of a Laundry Institution, receiving directions from Grace and me! We should have to release him long before the six months' term, when we have resolved to incur the expense of a salaried secretary.' Mrs.Adister turned her head to the colonel, who was then looking down the features of Mrs.Rockney. Patrick said: 'I'm ready, for a year, Miss Mattock.' She answered him, half jocosely: 'A whole year of free service? Reflect on what you are undertaking.' 'It's writing and accounts, no worse ?' 'Writing and accounts all day, and music in the evening only now and then.' 'I can do it: I will, if you'll have me.' 'Do you hear Mr.O'Donnell, Mrs.Adister ?' Captain Con fluttered up to his wife, and heard the story from Miss Mattock. He fancied he saw a thread of good luck for Philip in it.
'Our house could be Patrick's home capitally,' he suggested to his wife.
She was not a whit less hospitable, only hinting that she thought the refusal of the post was due to Arthur. 'And if he accepts, imagine him on a stool, my dear madam; he couldn't sit it!' Miss Mattock laughed.
'No, that is not to be thought of seriously.
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