'Sir, if you would only let me have a berth on board one of your
vessels, and go right away.'

'Aye, my poor boy, that's what you would like best, I've no doubt;
but look at Edward's face there, and think what that would come to
at the best!'

'Yes, I know I have no right to choose,' said Clarence, drooping his
head as before.

''Tis not that, my dear lad,' said the good man, 'but that packing
you off like that, among your inferiors in breeding and everything
else, would put an end to all hope of your redeeming the past--
outwardly I mean, of course--and lodge you in a position of
inequality to your brothers and sister, and all--'

'That's done already,' said Clarence.

'If you were a man grown it might be so,' returned Mr. Castleford,
'but bless me, how old are you?'

'Seventeen next 1st of November,' said Clarence.

'Not a bit too old for a fresh beginning,' said Mr. Castleford
cheerily. 'God helping you, you will be a brave and good man yet,
my boy--' then as my master rang at the door--'Come with me and look
at the old shop.'

Poor Clarence muttered something unintelligible, and I had to own