SCENE--_Royal Commission of the Future. Commissioners present.
Last Witness under examination._

_Chairman_. And now, my lad, you have learned everything.

_Witness_ (_modestly_). Yes, my Lord and Gentlemen, up to a certain
point.

_Chairman_. Quite so--you have, generally speaking, an education
rather better than an average City Clerk?

_Witness_ (_in the same modest tone_). So I am given to understand.

_Chairman_. What is your father?

_Witness_. An artisan. But pardon me, I think I can anticipate and
answer the next question. I am entirely unfit to follow my parent's
calling--physically and morally. My frame has been weakened by study,
and my education prevents--.

_Chairman_ (_interrupting_). Just so. We can hardly expect a lad of
fourteen who is good enough to floor the London matriculation taking
to bricklaying? (_Murmurs of general assent_.) Well, my boy, have you
tried to get a clerkship?

_Witness_. Alas! yes, indeed I have, my Lord and Gentlemen. I have
tried everywhere to obtain employment, but without success.

_Chairman_ (_sympathetically_). Dear me! Very sad! But come, my
lad, we have given you something more than an ordinary commercial