‘I shall not see many more new faces in Trotwood’s stead, Wickfield,’ said the Doctor, warming his hands; ‘I am getting lazy, and want ease.

I shall relinquish all my young people in another six months, and lead a quieter life.’

‘You have said so, any time these ten years, Doctor,’ Mr. Wickfield answered.

‘But now I mean to do it,’ returned the Doctor. ‘My first master will succeed me — I am in earnest at last — so you’ll soon have to arrange our contracts, and to bind us firmly to them, like a couple of knaves.’

‘And to take care,’ said Mr. Wickfield, ‘that you’re not imposed on, eh? As you certainly would be,