Suddenly my heart stood still.

Why, of course, it was a jest--a sorry jest of one of my fellow clerks.

There they were, looking at me with eager, wondering eyes--of course it was a jest.

My heart almost ceased to beat, and I caught my breath with something like a sob.
They should not laugh at me; they should not read what was passing in my mind.
I put the letter calmly and deliberately in my pocket and opened my ledger.

I fancied they looked disappointed.