" With this summary of his son's
worldly prospects, Mr. Clare tossed the letter contemptuously across the
table and poured himself out another cup of tea.
Mr. Vanstone read the letter with eager interest and pleasure. It was
written in a tone of somewhat elaborate cordiality; but the practical
advantages which it placed at Frank's disposal were beyond all doubt.
The writer had the means of using a friend's interest--interest of no
ordinary kind--with a great Mercantile Firm in the City; and he had at
once exerted this influence in favor of Mr. Clare's eldest boy. Frank
would be received in the office on a very different footing from the
footing of an ordinary clerk; he would be "pushed on" at every available
opportunity; and the first "good thing" the House had to offer, either
at home or abroad, would be placed at his disposal. If he possessed fair
abilities and showed common diligence in exercising them, his fortune
was made; and the sooner he was sent to London to begin the better for
his own interests it would be.
"Wonderful news!" cried Mr. Vanstone, returning the letter. "I'm
delighted--I must go back and tell them at home. This is fifty times
the chance that mine was.
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