For ever since Hawkesbury and I had ceased to be on talking terms at the office I had been more comfortable there, and involved in fewer troubles than ever before.
So I let well alone.
During the day an important telegram arrived at the office, which kept the partners closeted together in the inner-room for an hour, in earnest conference, at the end of which time Hawkesbury was sent for.
Doubleday, who had seen the telegram, told me it was to say that a vessel reported lost had turned up, with a cargo which was now double the value in the market it would have been had she arrived when expected.

However, there were points connected with the insurance and other matters which would require the presence of one of the firm at Liverpool, and this was evidently the object of the present confabulation.
"A year ago," said Doubleday, "they would have sent me.

But now the darling comes in for all the trips." Which proved to be the case now.

Hawkesbury emerged from the inner-room with an important face, and told the junior clerk (I no longer held that distinguished post), to fetch a hansom immediately.

Doubleday nudged me.
"If it was you or me, I fancy we'd fetch our own hansoms, eh! Never mind, we've neither of us got uncles." "Haven't we ?" said I, laughing.