He was a rich man 's son , with a clean young manhood behind him and splendid prospects before him . He was considered a practical sort of fellow , utterly guiltless of romantic dreams and visions of any sort . `` I am afraid Eric Marshall will never do one quixotic thing , '' said a Queenslea professor , who had a habit of uttering rather mysterious epigrams , `` but if he ever does it will supply the one thing lacking in him . '' David Baker was a short , stocky fellow with an ugly , irregular , charming face ; his eyes were brown and keen and secretive ; his mouth had a comical twist which became sarcastic , or teasing , or winning , as he willed . His voice was generally as soft and musical as a woman 's ; but some few who had seen David Baker righteously angry and heard the tones which then issued from his lips were in no hurry to have the experience repeated . He was a doctor -- a specialist in troubles of the throat and voice -- and he was beginning to have a national reputation . He was on the staff of the Queenslea Medical College and it was whispered that before long he would be called to fill an important vacancy at McGill . He had won his way to success through difficulties and drawbacks which would have daunted most men . In the year Eric was born David Baker was an errand boy in the big department store of Marshall & Company . Thirteen years later he graduated with high honors from Queenslea Medical College . Mr. Marshall had given him all the help which David 's sturdy pride could be induced to accept , and now he insisted on sending the young man abroad for a post-graduate course in London and Germany . David Baker had eventually repaid every cent Mr. Marshall had expended on him ; but he never ceased to cherish a passionate gratitude to the kind and generous man ; and he loved that man 's son with a love surpassing that of brothers . He had followed Eric 's college course with keen , watchful interest . It was his wish that Eric should take up the study of law or medicine now that he was through Arts ; and he was greatly disappointed that Eric should have finally made up his mind to go into business with his father . `` It 's a clean waste of your talents , '' he grumbled , as they walked home from the college . `` You 'd win fame and distinction in law -- that glib tongue of yours was meant for a lawyer and it is sheer flying in the face of Providence to devote it to commercial uses -- a flat crossing of the purposes of destiny . Where is your ambition , man ? '' `` In the right place , '' answered Eric , with his ready laugh . `` It is not your kind , perhaps , but there is room and need for all kinds in this lusty young country of ours . Yes , I am going into the business .
In the first place , it has been father 's cherished desire ever since I was born , and it would hurt him pretty badly XXXXX I backed out now .
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