I would even kiss his feet.

I cannot bear it, Laverick! I cannot! I cannot!" Laverick said nothing.

Words were useless things, wasted upon such a creature.

He eyed his partner with a contempt which he took no pains to conceal.

This, then, was the smart young fellow recommended to him on all sides, a few years ago, as one of the shrewdest young men in his own particular department, a person bound to succeed, a money-maker if ever there was one! Laverick thought of him as he appeared at the office day by day, glossy and immaculately dressed, with a flower in his buttonhole, boots that were a trifle too shiny, hat and coat, gloves and manner, all imitation but all very near the real thing.