He knew men in the city who were absolute bears to their employees; but they were blackguards.
He, perhaps, ought to have discharged Clark without a word; that would have been "business;" but really he ought not to have spoken to him as he did.

Clark undoubtedly acted with dignity.

Livingstone had had to apologize to him and ask him to remain, and had made the amend (to himself) by giving him fifty dollars extra for the ten nights' work.

He could only justify the act now by reflecting that Clark had more than once suggested investments which had turned out most fortunately.
Livingstone determined to give Clark this year a hundred dollars--no, fifty--he must not spoil him, and it really was not "business." The thought of his liberality brought to Livingstone's mind the donations that he always made at the close of the year.

He might as well send off the cheques now.
He took from a locked drawer his private cheque-book and turned the stubs thoughtfully.