The whole work of life was suited to the man: he did not aspire to any different position, only to the full development of the capabilities of that which he already held.

He had originated several fresh schemes with regard to the traffic of the shop; and his old masters, with all their love of tried ways, and distrust of everything new, had been candid enough to confess that their successors' plans had resulted in success.

'Their successors.' Philip was content with having the power when the exercise of it was required, and never named his own important share in the new improvements.

Possibly, if he had, Coulson's vanity might have taken the alarm, and he might not have been so acquiescent for the future.

As it was, he forgot his own subordinate share, and always used the imperial 'we', 'we thought', 'it struck us,' &c..