It was well known that the chief clerk must be chosen from one of the three senior clerks, and that he would be so chosen by the voice of the Commissioners.

There were only three men who were deeply interested in this question.

But who would then be the new senior clerk, and how would he be chosen?
A strange rumour began to be afloat that the new scheme of competitive examination was about to be tried in filling up this vacancy, occasioned by the withdrawal of Sir Gregory Hardlines.

From hour to hour the rumour gained ground, and men's minds began to be much disturbed.
It was no wonder that men's minds should be disturbed.
Competitive examinations at eighteen, twenty, and twenty-two may be very well, and give an interesting stimulus to young men at college.

But it is a fearful thing for a married man with a family, who has long looked forward to rise to a certain income by the worth of his general conduct and by the value of his seniority--it is a fearful thing for such a one to learn that he has again to go through his school tricks, and fill up examination papers, with all his juniors round him using their stoutest efforts to take his promised bread from out of his mouth.