Gordon thought of the toil and patience it had cost him to make even his little salary, and wealth appeared to him just then a very desirable acquisition.
"Why, father," he said, "it opens the world to a man.

It gives such great opportunities for everything; travel, knowledge, art, science, power, the respect and esteem of the world, are obtained by it." Something like this Mrs.Yorke had said to him, meaning, kindly enough, to encourage him in its pursuit.
The old General smiled gravely.
"Opportunity for travel and the acquirement of knowledge wealth undoubtedly gives, but happily they are not dependent upon wealth, my son.

The Columbuses of science, the Galileos, Newtons, Keplers; the great benefactors of the world, the great inventors, the great artists, the great poets, philosophers, and statesmen have few of them been rich." "He appears to have lived in another world, mamma," said Alice when he had left.

"He is an old dear.

I never knew so unworldly a person." Mrs.Yorke's chin tilted a little.
"Now, Alice, don't you be silly.