CHAPTER II
"LEIGH'S"
1845–1851
I WAS now fifteen, and destined to follow my father's occupation. With the view, therefore, of inoculating me with business-like and methodical habits, I attended for some months at the place of business of a friend of my father's. I think he was what is called a woollen warehouse-man. I was set down to an old ledger or cash-book to add up the amounts of the columns of figures therein. After some weeks' practice of this uncongenial pursuit, I had little more facility than on the day I began. The only relief from this monotonous duty was serving occasionally behind the
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