He knew there was no shaft of sarcasm hidden below this plain speech, and after a moment's consideration he replied: "I am very grateful, I assure you, for your kindness in this matter.

I am strongly tempted to accept your offer, bu there are still stronger reasons why I should decline it." "May I ask your reasons ?" "My reasons for not accepting the appointment ?" "Yes, the reasons which impel you to prefer a dinner of bitter herbs, under Mr.Alspaugh's usually soiled thumb, to a stalled ox and my profitable society," said the Surgeon, gayly.
Harry hesitated a moment, and then decided to speak frankly.

"Yes," he said, "your kindness gives you the right to know.

To not tell you would show a lack of gratitude.

I made a painful blunder before in not staying unflinchingly with my company.