"Are you indeed in earnest ?" "I never was more so in my life," was replied.
"Then, indeed the day has broken!" said Ellis, with emotion.

"When will you want me to begin ?" he asked after a short period of silence.
"Now," replied Wilkinson.
"Now, did you say ?" "Yes.

I have work that needs attention at once.

When will you come ?" "A good beginning never can be made too early.

Now." Wilkinson turned, and the two men walked back to a vacant desk.