Page:Richard Marsh--The goddess a demon.djvu/192

180 your master's absence to traduce his name and to take liberties with the establishment which he has left in your charge."

The old gentleman shook his head.

"It's easy talking, but we haven't all got your persuasive manner, sir."

It was an absurd thing for him to say, for no one knows better than myself that my manner is rude and awkward, and that I am unskilled in all those arts which go to make the master of persuasion. As I followed Mr. Bernstein out of the house, almost immediately, I had an illustration of how true that is. And again, in a more serious matter, a little later on.