"I have a great weakness which I am always ready to admit.

I cannot bear the presence about me of people who have failed.

You have become one of them, and I do not wish you to remain here.

If," he added, speaking more slowly, and looking meditatively into the decanter by his side, "if you saw any chance by which, with the help of what you will find in that pocket-book, a little application, a little ingenuity, and a good deal of perseverance, you could undo some part of the mischief which your carelessness has caused, then, of course, I should lose that feeling concerning you, and your place here would be open for your return.

It would probably, also, be to the advantage of your people if any such idea as this resulted in successful action on your part.