But the "Gosshawk" had got him in its clutches; and was resolved to make him a decoy duck.

He was to open a new vein of Insurances.

Workmen had hitherto acted with great folly and imprudence in this respect, and he was to cure them, by precept as well as example.
Henry assented, to gratify a person whose good-will he might require, and to get rid of a bore.

But that was not so easy; the "Gosshawk" was full of this new project, and had a great deal to say, before he came to the point, and offered Henry a percentage on the yearly premium of every workman that should be insured in the "Gosshawk." This little bargain struck, Henry was left alone; and waited for the return of Miss Carden.
He was simple enough to hope she would come back, and have it out with him.
She kept carefully out of his way, and, at last, he went sadly home.
"Ah," said he, "Jael gave me bad advice.

I have been premature, and frightened her." He would go to work his own way again.
In forty-eight hours he moved into his new house, furnished it partly: bought a quantity of mediocre wood-carving, and improved it; put specimens in his window, and painted his name over the door.