Part 13 (1/2)
”I see how it is,” he continued. ”An eavesdropper has reported, with his own comments and exaggerations, a strictly confidential interview.
Such being the case, I will state the plain truth of the matter. Are you prepared to hear it?”
”Oh, certainly,” replied Jasper, with a covert sneer in his voice.
”I'm prepared to hear any thing.”
”Very well. What I have to say is now wrung from me. I did not wish to leave you in anger. I did not wish to draw upon me your ill-will. But, what is unavoidable must be borne. It is true, Mr. Jasper, as you have been informed, that I am not satisfied with your way of doing business.”
”How long since, pray?” asked Jasper, with ill-disguised contempt.
”I did not like it in the beginning, but gradually suffered myself to think that all was fair in trade, until I found I was no better than a common cheat! Happily, I have been able to make a sudden pause in the way I was going. From this time, I will serve no man who expects me to overreach a customer in dealing. So soon as my mind was fully made up to leave your employment, I called to see my old friend, Mr.
Melleville; stated to him, frankly and fully, what I thought and felt; and asked him if he could not make room for me in his store. Parker doubtless overheard a part of what we were saying, and reported it to you. I would, let me say in pa.s.sing, much rather hold my relation to this unpleasant business than his. Mr. Melleville offered me my old salary--four hundred dollars--and I agreed to enter his service.”
”Four hundred dollars!” Jasper said this in unfeigned surprise.
”Yes, sir; that is all he can afford to pay, and of course all I will receive.”
”And I offered you six hundred and fifty.”
”True.”
”Edward, you are the most consummate fool I ever heard of.”
”Time will show that,” was the undisturbed reply. ”I have made my election thoughtfully, and am prepared to meet the result.”
”You'll repent of this; mark my word for it.”
”I may regret your ill-will, Mr. Jasper; but never repent this step.
I'm only thankful that I possessed sufficient resolution to take it.”
”When are you going?”
”Not before the end of this month, unless you wish it otherwise. I would like to give you full time to supply my place.”
”You can go at once, if it so please you. In fact, after what has just pa.s.sed, I don't see how you can remain, or I tolerate your presence.”
”I am ready for this, Mr. Jasper,” coolly replied the young man.
”How much is due you?” was inquired, after a brief silence.
”Twenty-five dollars, I believe,” answered Claire.
Jasper threw open a ledger that lay on the desk, and, turning to the young man's account, ran his eyes up the two columns of figures, and then struck a balance.
”Just twenty-seven dollars,” said he, after a second examination of the figures. ”And here's the money,” he added, as he took some bills from the desk and counted out the sum just mentioned. ”Now sign me a receipt in full to date, and that ends the matter.”
The receipt was promptly signed.