'I shouldn't wonder if it could be made worth some one's while to give a bit of help that way.

Don't you think so ?' In the tone of one turning to a different subject, Scawthorne asked suddenly: 'What use are you going to make of your father's offer ?' 'Well, I'm not quite sure, Shouldn't wonder if I go in for filters.' 'Filters ?' Joseph explained.

In the capacity of 'commission agent'-- denomination which includes and apologises for such a vast variety of casual pursuits--he had of late been helping to make known to the public a new filter, which promised to be a commercial success.

The owner of the patent lacked capital, and a judicious investment might secure a share in the business; Joseph thought of broaching the subject with him next day.
'You won't make a fool of yourself ?' remarked Scawthorne.
'Trust me; I think I know my way about.' For the present these gentlemen had nothing more to say to each other; they emptied their glasses with deliberation, exchanged a look which might mean either much or nothing, and so went their several ways.
The filter project was put into execution.

When Joseph had communicated it in detail to his father, the latter took the professional advice of his friend Mr.Percival, and in the course of a few weeks Joseph found himself regularly established in a business which had the--for him--novel characteristic of serving the purposes of purity.