The difficult point will be, what to do
with him--what to say to him, when I find him. He must give up
his partnership, that's clear. I did not tell his father so, but
I am resolved upon it. There shall be no tampering with the
honour of the firm to which I belong."
"But what will become of him?" asked Mr. Benson anxiously.
"I do not yet know. But, for Jemima's sake--for his dour old
father's sake--I will not leave him adrift. I will find him some
occupation as clear from temptation as I can. I will do all in my
power. And he will do much better, if he has any good in him, as
a freer agent, not cowed by his father into a want of
individuality and self-respect. I believe I must dismiss you, Mr.
Benson," said he, looking at his watch; "I have to explain all to
my wife, and to go to that clerk. You shall hear from me in a day
or two."
Mr. Benson half envied the younger man's elasticity of mind, and
power of acting promptly. He himself felt as if he wanted to sit
down in his quiet study, and think over the revelations and
events of the last twenty-four hours. It made him dizzy even to
follow Mr. Farquhar's plans, as he had briefly detailed them; and
some solitude and consideration would be required before Mr.
Benson could decide upon their justice and wisdom. He had been
much shocked by the discovery of the overt act of guilt which
Richard had perpetrated, low as his opinion of that young man had
been for some time; and the consequence was, that he felt
depressed, and unable to rally for the next few days.
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