And now what must be the next step?
Excelsior! It is very nice to be a Commissioner, and sit at a Board at Sir Gregory's right hand: much nicer than being a junior clerk at the Weights and Measures, like Harry Norman.

But there are nicer things even than that; there are greater men even than Sir Gregory; richer figures than even L1,200 a year!' So he went to his old office, wrote his resignation, and walked home meditating to what next step above he should now aspire to rise.

'Excelsior!' he still said to himself, 'Excelsior!' At the same moment Charley was leaving the Internal Navigation, and as he moved with unusual slowness down the steps, he bethought himself how he might escape from the fangs of his Norah; how, if such might still be possible, he might fit himself for the love of Katie Woodward.

Excelsior! such also was the thought of his mind; but he did not dare to bring the word to utterance.

It was destined that his thoughts should be interrupted by no very friendly hand..