It tells me this--that a bold face, a smooth
tongue, and an easy conscience are worth more in our business than
any other qualities. With these you may do as you list. They tell far
better than all the 'one-price' and fair-dealing professions, in which
people have little faith. In fact, the mass will overreach if they
can, and therefore regard these 'honest' assumptions with suspicion."
The young man, Edward Claire, did not make a reply for nearly a
minute. Something in the words of Mr. Jasper had fixed his thought,
and left him, for a brief space of time, absorbed in his own
reflections.
Lifting, at length, his eyes, which had been resting on the floor, he
said--
"Our profit on to-day's sales must reach very nearly fifty dollars."
"Just that sum, if I have made a right estimate," replied Jasper; "and
that is what I call a fair day's business."
While he was yet speaking, a lad entered the store, and laid upon the
counter a small sealed package, bearing the superscription, "Leonard
Jasper, Esq." The merchant cut the red tape with which it was tied,
broke the seal, and opening the package, took therefrom several
papers, over which he ran his eyes hurriedly; his clerk, as he did so,
turning away.
"What's this?" muttered Jasper to himself, not at first clearly
comprehending the nature of the business to which the communication
related.
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