Were it not for my wife's health, I could earn my living; but I am told it is essential that she should go to a warm climate, and as I see no other way of accomplishing this, I have applied for this situation, hoping that my knowledge of the language, and my readiness to perform whatever duties I may be required to do, might induce you to give me a trial." "And you would, if necessary--say, in the case of illness of one of my clerks--be ready to help in the office ?" "Certainly, sir." "Will you call again, in half an hour?
I will give you an answer, then." By the time Gregory returned, the merchant's mind was made up.

He had come to the conclusion that the story he had heard was a true one.

The way it had been told was convincing.

The man was undoubtedly a gentleman.

There was no mistake in his manner and talk.