I will think it over and write to you." He thought it over and in the end offered to try me for a year at a fixed salary with a promise of some kind of a partnership if I suited him.

Meanwhile my L5,000 remained in my pocket.
I accepted, not without reluctance since with the impatience of youth I wanted everything at once.

I worked hard in that office and soon mastered the business, for my knowledge of figures--I had taken a first-class mathematical degree at college--came to my aid, as in a way did my acquaintance with Law and Literature.

Moreover I had a certain aptitude for what is called high finance.

Further, Fortune, as usual, showed me a favourable face.
In one year I got the partnership with a small share in the large profits of the business.