If business goes on increasing, I shall want
some one with me whom I can trust and depend on more fully than on a
clerk."
Thus, in the mind of Jasper, all was settled; and he was fully
prepared, on the next morning, when he met Edward to hear from him
that he would remain in his service. A different decision took him
altogether by surprise.
"Where are you going?" he asked. Edward hesitated a moment ere
replying.
"Back to Mr. Melleville's."
"To Melleville's! Will he give you more salary than I have agreed to
pay?"
"No," was the answer; "but I have reasons for wishing to accept the
place he offers me."
"Well, just as you please," said Jasper, coldly. "Every one must suit
himself."
And, with the air of a person offended, he turned himself from the
young man. Soon after he went out, and did not come back for two or
three hours. When he re-entered the store there was an angry flash in
his eyes, which rested somewhat sternly upon Claire.
"Let me say a word with you, Edward."
There happened to be no customer in to engage the clerk's attention,
and he retired, with his employer, to the back part of the store.
Jasper then turned and confronted him with a stern aspect.
"Well, young man!" said he sharply, "it seems that you have been
making rather free with my good name, of late; representing me as a
cheat and a swindler.
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