You must now accept the guidance of those older and (whatever you may think of it) wiser than yourself.

All these schemes of your friend (of whom I know nothing, by the by) and talk of openings in the West, I simply disregard.

I have no idea whatever of your going troking across a continent on a wild-goose chase.

In this situation, which I am fortunately able to place at your disposal, and which many a well-conducted young man would be glad to jump at, you will receive, to begin with, eighteen shillings a week." "Eighteen shillings a week!" I cried.

"Why, my poor friend gave me more than that for nothing!" "And I think it is this very friend you are now trying to repay ?" observed my uncle, with an air of one advancing a strong argument.
"Aadam!" said my grandfather.
"I'm vexed you should be present at this business," quoth Uncle Adam, swinging rather obsequiously towards the stonemason; "but I must remind you it is of your own seeking." "Aadam!" repeated the old man.
"Well, sir, I am listening," says my uncle.
My grandfather took a puff or two in silence; and then, "Ye're makin' an awfu' poor appearance, Aadam," said he.
My uncle visibly reared at the affront.