I had nothing to do but to watch him--how well his features were cut! what a handsome man he was! Whence, then, came that air of contraction--that narrow and hard aspect on his forehead, in all his lineaments?
Turning to me he began abruptly: "You are come down to -- --shire to learn to be a tradesman ?" "Yes, I am." "Have you made up your mind on the point?
Let me know that at once." "Yes." "Well, I am not bound to help you, but I have a place here vacant, if you are qualified for it.

I will take you on trial.

What can you do?
Do you know anything besides that useless trash of college learning--Greek, Latin, and so forth ?" "I have studied mathematics." "Stuff! I dare say you have." "I can read and write French and German." "Hum!" He reflected a moment, then opening a drawer in a desk near him took out a letter, and gave it to me.
"Can you read that ?" he asked.
It was a German commercial letter; I translated it; I could not tell whether he was gratified or not--his countenance remained fixed.
"It is well;" he-said, after a pause, "that you are acquainted with something useful, something that may enable you to earn your board and lodging: since you know French and German, I will take you as second clerk to manage the foreign correspondence of the house.

I shall give you a good salary--90l.

a year--and now," he continued, raising his voice, "hear once for all what I have to say about our relationship, and all that sort of humbug! I must have no nonsense on that point; it would never suit me.