` That would be better , and more what I want . It is n't that I object to honest work of any kind ; but I do n't want my son to spend his best years grubbing for a little money in a dark office , or be knocked about in a rough-and-tumble scramble to get on . I want to see you in some business where your tastes and talents can be developed and made useful ; where you can go on rising , and in time put in your little fortune and be a partner ; so that your years of apprenticeship will not be wasted , but fit you to take your place among the honourable men who make their lives and work useful and respected . I talked it all over with your dear father when you were a child ; and if he had lived he would have shown you what I mean , and helped you to be what he was . ' Mrs Meg wiped away a quiet tear as she spoke ; for the memory of her husband was a very tender one , and the education of his children had been a sacred task to which she gave all her heart and life , and so far she had done wonderfully well -- as her good son and loving daughters tried to prove . Demi 's arm was round her now , as he said , in a voice so like his father 's that it was the sweetest music to her ear : ` Mother dear , I think I have got just what you want for me ; and it shall not be my fault if I do n't become the man you hope to see me . Let me tell you all about it . I did n't say anything till it was sure because it would only worry you ; but Aunt Jo and I have been on the look-out for it some time , and now it has come . You know her publisher , Mr Tiber , is one of the most successful men in the business ; also generous , kind , and the soul of honour -- as his treatment of Aunty proves . Well , I 've rather hankered for that place ; for I love books , and as I ca n't make them I 'd like to publish them . That needs some literary taste and judgement , it brings you in contact with fine people , and is an education in itself . Whenever I go into that large , handsome room to see Mr Tiber for Aunt Jo , I always want to stay ; for it 's lined with books and pictures , famous men and women come and go , and Mr Tiber sits at his desk like a sort of king , receiving his subjects ; for the greatest authors are humble to him , and wait his Yes or No with anxiety . Of course I 've nothing to do with all that , and may never have ; but I like to see it , and the atmosphere is so different from the dark offices and hurly-burly of many other trades , where nothing but money is talked about , that it seems another world , and I feel at home in it . Yes , I 'd rather beat the door-mats and make fires there than be head clerk in the great hide and leather store at a big salary . ' Here Demi paused for breath ; and Mrs Meg , whose face had been growing brighter and brighter , exclaimed eagerly : ` Just what I should like ! Have you got it ? Oh , my dear boy ! your fortune is made if you go to that well-established and flourishing place , with those good men to help you along ! ' ' I think I have , but we must n't be too sure of anything yet . I may not suit ; I 'm only on trial , and must begin at the beginning and work my way up faithfully .
Mr XXXXX was very kind , and will push me on as fast as is fair to the other fellows , and as I prove myself fit to go up .
Aunty Demi Jo Meg Mother Mr Tiber door-mats look-out years