The Thoughts of Youth

commercial uses—a flat crossing of the purposes of destiny. Where is your am- bition, man? ”

“ In the right place, answered Eric, with his ready laugh. “ It is not your kind, perhaps, but there is room and need for all kinds in this lusty young country of ours. Yes, I am going into the business. In the first place, it has been father’s cherished desire ever since I was born, and it would hurt him pretty badly if I backed out now. He wished me to take an Arts course because he believed that every man should have as liberal an edu— cation as he can afford to get, but now that I have had it he wants me in the firm.”

“ He wouldn’t oppose you if. he thought

you really wanted to go in for something else.”

“ Not he. But I don’t really want to— that’s the point, David, man. You hate a business life so much yourself that you can’t get it into your blessed noddle that

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