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18 aback, "now that you speak of it, I—I—I am not doing anything at present."

"I offer you the position of floorwalker in our drapery department. I'll give you two pounds a week to begin with, and a speedy rise depends on yourself."

"I am very much obliged to you, Mr. Brassard, for the opportunity, and, if you do not insist on an immediate reply, I shall be delighted to consider the proposition."

"Have you ever walked a floor, Mr. Stranleigh?"

"Only when I was a boy with the toothache."

The lines at the corners of Mr. Brassard's mouth deepened at this, but the eyes rejected the remark as unworthy of a business conference.

"What was your last position, sir?"

"I—I was with a gentleman on a yacht."

"Would the owner of the yacht give you a character for honesty?" "Oh, yes, I am sure he would."

"If you are so sure, why did you leave his service."

"Well, you know, I haven't exactly left it. I'm with him yet, but we aren't doing anything, as you might say, and, of course, in an establishment like this there would be a chance of promotion, as you hinted."

"Exactly. Very well, think over it."

"I will."