Publisher's Synopsis
"There, that settles the matter," said my stepfather irritably. "The lad's no good for the navy!" "Why not?" asked my mother, pausing in the act of pouring out the breakfast tea for me, -my parents preferred coffee. "Because they say his sight is defective-that's all," replied my stepfather. "That's a pretty ending to his career!" Mr. Bentham was a persistent grumbler. I had already remarked that trait in his disposition, and it annoyed me. "I am quite sure his eyes are all right," said mother. "Then perhaps you'll kindly tell the Admiralty so," said my stepfather ("Daddy," I called him). "There's the medical decision. He's been plucked on sight." "And I am certain there's nothing the matter," said my mother. "I will take him to Mr. Jones, an old friend of his. You will find he is perfectly sound." "My dear Emily, what is the use of discussing the matter? Julius is deficient. There's the letter, read it for yourself. It's a great nuisance. I suppose he'd better go to Granding and Smith's now. Granding will take him"- "Granding and Smith's!" I exclaimed suddenly. "To the warehouse in St. Paul's? Oh, why? I can't go into a shop."
