remarked
Joseph, as if absently. »I shouldn't wonder if it could be made worth some one's
while to give a bit of help that way. Don't you think so?«
    In the tone of one turning to a different subject, Scawthorne asked
suddenly:
    »What use are you going to make of your father's offer?«
    »Well, I'm not quite sure Shouldn't wonder if I go in for filters.«
    »Filters?«
    Joseph explained. In the capacity of commission agent - denomination which
includes and apologises for such a vast variety of casual pursuits - he had of
late been helping to make known to the public a new filter, which promised to be
a commercial success. The owner of the patent lacked capital, and a judicious
investment might secure a share in the business; Joseph thought of broaching the
subject with him next day.
    »You won't make a fool of yourself?« remarked Scawthorne.
    »Trust me; I think I know my way about.«
    For the present these gentlemen had nothing more to say to each other; they
emptied their glasses with deliberation, exchanged a look which might mean
either much or nothing, and so went their several ways.
    The filter project was put into execution. When Joseph had communicated it
in detail to his father, the latter took the professional advice of his friend
Mr. Percival, and in the course of a few weeks Joseph found himself regularly
established in a business which had the - for him - novel characteristic of
serving the purposes of purity. The manufactory was situated in a by-street on
the north of Euston Road: a small concern, but at all events a genuine one. On
the window of the office you read, Lake, Snowdon, & Co. As it was necessary
to account for this achievement to Clem and Mrs. Peckover, Joseph made known to
them a part of the truth; of the will he said nothing, and, for reasons of his
own, he allowed these tender relatives to believe that he was in a fair way to
inherit the greater part of Michael's possessions. There was jubilation in
Clerkenwell Close, but mother and daughter kept stern watch upon Joseph's
proceedings.
    Another acquaintance of ours benefited by this event. Michael made it a
stipulation that some kind of work should be found at the factory for John
Hewett, who, since his wife's death, had been making a wretched struggle to
establish a more decent home for the children. The firm of Lake, Snowdon,