If Philip and William here, for instance, said they'd like to purchase the business, I reckon thee and me would not ask 'em so much as we should ask Millers' (Millers was an upstart petty rival shop at the end of the bridge in the New Town).
'I wish Philip and William was to come after us,' said John.

'But that's out of the question,' he continued, knowing all the while that, far from being out of the question, it was the very question, and that it was as good as settled at this very time.
No one spoke.

Then Jeremiah went on: 'It's out of the question, I reckon ?' He looked at the two young men.

Coulson shook his head.

Philip more bravely said,-- 'I have fifty-three pounds seven and fourpence in yo'r hands, Master John, and it's all I have i' the world.' 'It's a pity,' said John, and again they were silent.