so
I just said before I came away that I was well aware my knowledge of
banking was but slender, which was reason enough for my not offering any
advice. Well, if anybody had told me ye could laugh because John
Mortimer was less prosperous than formerly, I would not have believed
it!"

Emily made haste to look grave again. It was no secret at all that John
Mortimer meant to take a partner; and as to his losses, she did not
suppose they would affect his comfort much.

Johnnie Mortimer, however, on hearing of them was roused to a sense of
responsibility toward his father, and as a practical proof that he and
his sisters were willing to do what they could, proposed to them that
they should give up half their weekly allowance of pocket-money. The
twins assented with filial fervour, and Johnnie explained their views to
his father, proposing that his own pony should be sold, and the money
flung into the gap.

John was smoking a cigar in an arbour near the house when his heir
unfolded to him these plans for retrenchment. He was surprised. The boy
was so big, so clever with his lessons, and possessed so keen a sense of
humour that sometimes the father forgot his actual age, and forgot that
he was still simple in many respects, and more childlike than some other
youths.

He did not instantly answer nor laugh (for Johnnie was exceedingly
sensitive to ridicule from him); but after a pause, as if for thought,
he assured his son that he was not in any want of money, and that
therefore these plans, he was happy to say, were not necessary. "As you
are old enough now," he added, "to take an intelligent interest in my
affairs, I shall occasionally talk to you about them."

Johnnie, shoving his head hard against his father's shoulder, gave him
an awkward hug. "You might depend on my never telling anybody," he said.

"I am sure of that, my boy. Your dear grandfather, a few months before
his death, gave his name to an enterprise which, in my opinion, did not
promise well. A good deal of money has been lost by it."

"Oh," said Johnnie, and again he reflected that, though not necessary,
it would be only right and noble in him to give up his pony.

"But I dare say you think that I and mine have always lived in the
enjoyment of every comfort, and of some luxuries."

"Oh, yes, father."

"Then if I tell you that I intend to continue living exactly in my
present style, and that I expect to be always entitled to do so, you
need perhaps