At the end of twelve months, his pay was raised another ten shillings a week.
He had, before leaving England, signed a contract to remain with the firm for two years.

He regretted having to do this, as it prevented his accepting any better position, should an opening occur; but he recognized that the condition was a fair one, after the firm paying for his outfit and for two passages.

At the end of eighteen months, Gregory began to look about for something better.
"I don't mind my work a bit," he said to his wife, "but, if only for the sake of the boy" (a son had been born, a few months after their arrival), "I must try to raise myself in the scale, a bit.

I have nothing to complain about at the office; far from it.

From what the manager said to me the other day, if a vacancy occurred in the office, I should have the offer of the berth.