's No 4 central fires in his pocket.

CHAPTER XV.

AN ADDITION TO THE HOUSE.

There were rejoicings in Phillimore Gardens over Tom's engagement, for
the two old people were both heartily fond of Kate--"our Kate," as they
were wont proudly to call her. The physician chafed at first over the
idea of keeping the matter a secret from Girdlestone. A little
reflection served to show him, however, that there was nothing to be
gained by informing him, while Kate's life, during the time that she was
forced to remain under his roof, would be more tolerable as long as he
was kept in ignorance of it. In the meanwhile the lovers saw little of
each other, and Tom was only consoled by the thought that every day
which passed brought him nearer to the time when he could claim his
prize without concealment or fear. He went about as happy and as
light-hearted a man as any in all London. His mother was delighted at
his high spirits, but his bluff old father was not so well satisfied.
"Confound the lad!" he said to himself. "He is settling down to a life
of idleness. It suits him too well. We must get him to choose one way
or the other."

Accordingly, after breakfast one morning, the doctor asked his son to
step with him into the library, where he lit his long cherry-wood pipe,
as was his custom after every meal, and smoked for some time in silence.

"You must do something to keep you from mischief, my boy," he said at
last brusquely.

"I'm ready for anything, dad," replied Tom, "but I don't quite see what
I'm fitted for."

"First of all, what do you think of this?" the doctor asked abruptly,
handing a letter over to his son, who opened it and read as follows:--

"DEAR SIR,--

"It has come to my knowledge through my son that your boy has
abandoned the study of medicine, and that you are still
uncertain as to his future career. I have long had the
intention of seeking a young man who might join in our
business, and relieve my old shoulders of some of the
burden. Ezra urges me to write and propose that your
son should become one of us. If he has any taste for
business we shall be happy to advance his interest in
every way. He would, of course, have to purchase a share
in the concern, which would amount to seven thousand pounds,
on which he would be paid interest at the rate of five
per cent. By allowing this interest to accumulate, and
investing