Meredith smiled.
"So you've had enough of it?" he said.
"Enough ain't quite the word, sir. Why, I'm wore to a shadow with
the trouble and anxiety of getting you down here."
"Fairly substantial shadow," commented Meredith.
"May be, sir. But I've had enough of moneymakin'. It's too dear at
the price. And if you'll let an old servant speak his mind it ain't
fit for you, this 'ere kind of work. It's good enough for black-
scum and for chocolate-birds like Durnovo; but this country's not
built for honest white men--least of all for born and bred
gentlemen."
"Yes--that's all very well in theory, Joseph, and I'm much obliged
to you for thinking of me. But you must remember that we live in an
age where money sanctifies everything. Your hands can't get dirty
if there is money inside them."
Joseph laughed aloud.
"Ah, that's your way of speaking, sir, that's all. And I'm glad to
hear it. You have not spoken like that for two months and more."
"No--it is only my experience of the world."
"Well, sir, talkin' of experience, I've had about enough, as I tell
you, and I beg to place my resignation in your hands. I shall do
the same by Mr. Oscard if I reach that Platter, God willin', as the
sayin' is."
"All right, Joseph."
Still there was something left to say.
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