Education is costly; and even if it were not, and I could afford it, I am of opinion that it would not be at all advantageous to you to be kept at school.
What is before you, is a fight with the world; and the sooner you begin it, the better.' I think it occurred to me that I had already begun it, in my poor way: but it occurs to me now, whether or no.
'You have heard the "counting-house" mentioned sometimes,' said Mr.
Murdstone.
'The counting-house, sir ?' I repeated.

'Of Murdstone and Grinby, in the wine trade,' he replied.
I suppose I looked uncertain, for he went on hastily: 'You have heard the "counting-house" mentioned, or the business, or the cellars, or the wharf, or something about it.' 'I think I have heard the business mentioned, sir,' I said, remembering what I vaguely knew of his and his sister's resources.

'But I don't know when.' 'It does not matter when,' he returned.

'Mr.Quinion manages that business.' I glanced at the latter deferentially as he stood looking out of window.
'Mr.Quinion suggests that it gives employment to some other boys, and that he sees no reason why it shouldn't, on the same terms, give employment to you.' 'He having,' Mr.Quinion observed in a low voice, and half turning round, 'no other prospect, Murdstone.' Mr.Murdstone, with an impatient, even an angry gesture, resumed, without noticing what he had said: 'Those terms are, that you will earn enough for yourself to provide for your eating and drinking, and pocket-money.

Your lodging (which I have arranged for) will be paid by me.