He had not declared either by words or actions that as his father was a rich man, and as he was an only son, he would therefore do nothing.

But he had tried his hand thrice, and in each case, after but short trial, had assured his father and his friends that the thing had not suited him.

Leaving Oxford without a degree,--for the reading of the schools did not suit him,--he had gone into a banking-house, by no means as a mere clerk, but with an expressed proposition from his father, backed by the assent of a partner, that he should work his way up to wealth and a great commercial position.

But six months taught him that banking was "an abomination," and he at once went into a course of reading with a barrister.

He remained at this till he was called,--for a man may be called with very little continuous work.