Mr. Kirby looked more chirpy than ever.
"I didn't say your ideas were right; I don't think they are. I said that if you had those ideas it was nonsense to send him to Cambridge. Why shouldn't he drink? Why shouldn't he gamble? What 's the harm?"
"What 's the?" began John Brassington, with a flash in his eyes.
"Well, well," said Kirby soothingly, "I don't say it 's the best thing in the world. What I mean is you emphasise too much. You know you do. Anyhow, John, it doesn't much matter; it 'll all come right."
He stared at the fire, then added—
"Now, why can't I get coals to burn like that? Nothing but pure white ash!"
He leant forward with a grunt, stirred the fire deliberately, and watched the ash with admiration as it fell.
"Kirby," said John Brassington, "it will break my heart!"
"No it won't!" said Mr. Kirby cheerfully.
"I tell you it will!" replied the other with irritation, as though the breaking of the heart were an exasperating matter. "And one thing I am determined on—determined" The merchant hesitated, and then broke out
