“I suppose you know, David, that I am not rich. At any rate, you know it now. You have received some considerable education already. Education is costly; and even if it were not, and I could afford it, I am of opinion that it would not be at all advantageous to you to be kept at school. What is before you, is a fight with the world; and the sooner you begin it, the better.”

I think it occurred to me that I had already begun it, in my poor way: but it occurs to me now, whether or no.

“You have heard the ‘countinghouse’ mentioned sometimes,” said Mr. Murdstone.

“The countinghouse, sir?” I repeated.

“Of Murdstone and Grinby, in the wine trade,” he replied.

I suppose I looked uncertain, for he went on hastily: