"No fear--I like jam; don't you make no error, governor."

With which philosophical albeit enigmatical conclusion he buried his
face once more in his hands, and immersed himself in the literary "jam"
before him.

Reginald half envied him as he himself sat listless and unoccupied
during that gloomy evening. He did his best to acquaint himself, by the
aid of papers and circulars scattered about the room, with the work that
lay before him. He made a careful tour of the premises, with a view to
possible alterations and improvements. He settled in his own mind where
the directors' table should stand, and in which corner of the private
room he should establish his own desk. He went to the length of
designing a seal for the Corporation, and in scribbling, for his own
amusement, the imaginary minutes of an imaginary meeting of the
directors. How would this do?

"A meeting of directors of the Select Agency Corporation"--by the way,
was it "Limited"? He didn't very clearly understand what that meant.
Still, most companies had the word after their name, and he made a note
to inquire of Mr Medlock whether it applied to them--"was held on
October 31st at the company's offices. Present, the Bishop of S-- in
the chair, Messrs. Medlock, Blank, M.P., So-and-so, etcetera. The
secretary, Mr Cruden, having been introduced, took his seat and thanked
the directors for their confidence. It was reported that the receipts
for the last month had been (well, say) L1,000, including L50 deposited
against shares by the new secretary, and the expenses L750. Mr Medlock
reported the acquisition of a large bankrupt stock of clothing, which it
was proposed to offer privately to a number of clergymen and others as
per a list furnished by the right reverend the chairman. The following
cheques were drawn:--Rent for offices for a month, L5; printing and
postage, L25; secretary's salary for one month, L12 10 shillings; ditto,
interest on the L50 deposit, 4 shillings 2 pence; office-boy (one
month), L2; Mr Medlock for bankrupt stock of clothing, L150; etcetera,
etcetera. The secretary suggested various improvements in the offices
and fittings, and was requested to take any necessary steps. After
sundry other routine business the Board adjourned."

This literary experiment concluded, Reginald, who after the fatigues and
excitement of the day felt ready for sleep, decided to adjourn too.

"Do you stay here all night?" said he to Love.

"Me?