And now I was utterly floored.
All this was the first hurried impression caused on my mind by my friend Smith's letter; and for a minute I quite forgot, in my mortification, that I had in my hand another letter--a letter from Merrett, Barnacle, and Company themselves.

Then suddenly remembering it, I called to mind also the vague rumour of two clerks being wanted in the office, and with new hope and wild anxiety I tore open the envelope.
Could I believe my eyes?
"Frederick Batchelor is informed that his application for junior clerkship is successful.

He will be required to begin work on Monday next at 9 a.m." For the space of two minutes, reader, I knew not if I was standing on my head or my feet.

I will pass over the excited day or two which followed.

My uncle, of course, did what he could to check my glee.