What then was it best for him to do? This question was
soon after decided, by his throwing the money into the cash-drawer of
Jasper.
On his way home to dinner that day, Claire called into the store of a
Mr. Melleville, referred to in the conversation with his wife on the
previous evening. This gentleman, who was somewhat advanced in years,
was in the same business with Jasper. He was known as a strictly
upright dealer--"Too honest to get along in this world," as some said.
"Old Stick-in-the-mud," others called him. "A man behind the times,"
as the new-comers in the trade were pleased to say. Claire had lived
with him for some years, and left him on the offer of Jasper to give
him a hundred dollars more per annum than he was getting.
"Ah, Edward! How do you do to-day?" said Mr. Melleville, kindly, as
the young man came in.
"Very well in body, but not so well in mind," was the frank reply, as
he took the proffered hand of his old employer.
"Not well in mind, ah! That's about the worst kind of sickness I know
of, Edward. What's the matter?"
"As I have dropped in to talk with you a little about my own affairs,
I will come at once to the point."
"That is right. Speak out plainly, Edward, and you will find in me,
at least, a sincere friend, and an honest adviser.
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