There ain't a Sunday clothes job about the place." Arthur's fingers were trembling as he pulled at his small mustache.

What did this tyrant expect of him?
He had assumed that a place was to be made for him in the office, a dignified place.

There he would master the business, would gather such knowledge as might be necessary successfully to direct it, and would bestow that knowledge in the humble, out-of-the-way corner of his mind befitting matters of that kind.

And here was his father, believing that the same coarse and toilsome methods which had been necessary for himself were necessary for a trained and cultured understanding! "What do you want me to do ?" asked Arthur.
Hiram drew a breath of relief.

The boy was going to show good sense and willingness after all.