nd that
everything was all right. And, greatest argument of all, he had no
other place to go to, and L150 a year was a salary not to be thrown away
when put into one's hands.

Still, he felt a trifle uncomfortable about the necessity of going to
Liverpool and breaking up the old home. Of course, he could not help
himself, and Horace had no right to insinuate otherwise. All the same,
it was a pity, and if there had not been the compensating certainty of
being able to send up regular contributions to the family purse, which
would help his mother to not a few comforts hitherto denied, he would
have been more troubled still about it.

"What will you do about the L50?" said Horace next day, forcing himself
to appear interested in what he inwardly disapproved.

"Oh," said Reginald, "I'd intended to ask Richmond to lend it me. It's
not exactly a loan either; it would be the same as his investing in the
company in my name. The money would be safe, and he'd get his interest
into the bargain. But of course I can't go to him now."

"No; and I don't know whom else you could ask," said Horace.

"They might let me put in a pound a week out of my salary," said
Reginald. "That would still leave me two pounds a week, and of that I
could send home at least twenty-five shillings."

Horace mused.

"It seems to me rather queer to expect you to put the money in," said
he.

"It may be queer, but it's their rule, Mr Medlock says."

"And whatever does the Corporation do? It's precious hazy to my mind."

"I can't tell you anything about it now," said Reginald; "the concern is
only just started, and I have promised to treat all Mr Medlock told me
as confidential. But I'm quite satisfied in my mind, and you may be
too, Horace."

Horace did not feel encouraged to pursue the discussion after this, and
went off alone to work in low spirits, and feeling unusually dismal.

"By the way," said Reginald, as he started, "bring young Gedge home with
you. I meant to see him last night, but forgot."

Reginald spent the day uneasily for himself and his mother in trying to
feel absolutely satisfied with the decision he had come to, and in
speculating on his future work. Towards afternoon, weary of being all
day in the house, he went out for a stroll. It was a beautiful day, and
the prospect of a walk in the park by daylight was a tempting one.

As he was passing down Piccadilly, he became aware of some one
approaching him whom he kn