If I die soon (which, between ourselves, is by
no means improbable), I must leave to your care your
mother and the children. My practice is so entirely a
personal one that I cannot hope to be able to hand over
to you enough to afford a living."
I thought of Cullingworth's advice about going where
you are least known. "I think," said I, "that, my
chances would be better away from here."
"Then you must lose no time in establishing
yourself," said he. "Your position would be one of great
responsibility if anything were to happen to me just now.
I had hoped that you had found an excellent opening with
the Saltires; but I fear that you can hardly expect to
get on in the world, my boy, if you insult your
employer's religious and political view at his own
table."
It wasn't a time to argue, so I said nothing. My
father took a copy of the Lancet out of his desk, and
turned up an advertisement which he had marked with a
blue pencil. "Read this!" said he.
I've got it before me as I write. It runs thus:
Qualified Assistant. Wanted at once in a large country
and colliery practice. Thorough knowledge of
obstetrics and dispensing indispensable. Ride and drive.
L70 a year. Apply Dr, Horton Merton on the Moors,
Yorkshire."
"There might be an opening there," said he. "I know
Horton, and I am convinced that I can get you the
appointment. It would at least give you the opportunity
of looking round and seeing whether there was any vacancy
there.
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