Some serious doubts as to his having, in the main, pursued the wisest course in life, were injected into his mind; and, remarkable as it may seem for one so absorbed in the love of gain, there were moments when he almost envied the poor, but honest clerk, who had an approving conscience, and feared no man's scrutiny.
It was with no slight reluctance that he finally came to the conclusion that it would be altogether unsafe to take Claire into his employment.

And so he cast about for some one to supply the place left vacant by Parker's withdrawal from the business.

In his final selection he was not over-fortunate, as the result proved.

The new clerk was shrewd, and capable enough, and apparently as much devoted to his employer's interests as Jasper could wish.

Had not his own interests been regarded as paramount to those of the merchant, Jasper would have possessed in him a valuable assistant.