Part 6 (2/2)
”What is it?” said Mrs. Thompson, without looking up.
”Mrs. Thompson, I want to make an apology and a request.”
At the sound of his voice she perceptibly started. His presence down here was unusual and unexpected.
”I have been making myself rather unhappy about what happened when you and Miss Thompson were in my department.”
”Nothing happened,” said Mrs. Thompson decisively.
”Oh, yes, ma'am, and I offer an apology for my mistake.”
”Mr. Marsden,” said Mrs. Thompson, with dignity, ”there is not the slightest occasion for an apology. Please don't make mountains out of molehills.”
”No--but I am in earnest. It is your own great kindness that led me to forget. And I confess that I did for a moment forget the immense difference of social station that lies between us. A shopman should never speak to his employer--much less his employer's relatives--in a tone implying the least friendliness or equality.”
”Mr. Marsden, you quite misunderstand.”
”You were angry with me?”
”No,” said Mrs. Thompson firmly. ”To be frank, I was not exactly pleased with you--and I took the liberty of showing it. That is a freedom to which I am accustomed.”
”Then I humbly apologise.”
”I have told you it is unnecessary.... That will do, Mr. Marsden;” and she took up her pen again.
”But may I make one request--that when I am unfortunate enough to deserve reproof, it may be administered privately and not in public?”
”Mr. Marsden, I make no conditions. If people are discontented with my methods--well, the remedy lies in their own hands.”
”Isn't that just a little cruel?”
”It is my answer to your question.”
”I don't think, ma'am, you know the chivalrous and devoted feeling that runs through this shop. There's not a man in it to whom your praise and your blame don't mean light and darkness.”
Mrs. Thompson flushed.
”Mr. Marsden, you are all very good and loyal. I recognize that. But I don't care about compliments.”
”Compliments!... When a person is feeling almost crushed with the burden of grat.i.tude--”
”But, Mr. Marsden, grat.i.tude should be shown and not talked about.”
”And I'll show mine some day, please G.o.d.”
Mrs. Thompson turned right round on her revolving chair, and spoke very gently. ”I am sorry that you should have upset yourself about such a trifle.”
Then Mr. Marsden asked if he might come down behind the gla.s.s for direction and orders when he felt in doubt or perplexity. A few words now and then would be helpful to him.
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