up in
speaking distance, so that when it was open, the end of that prodigious
nasal organ might refresh itself by looking down his throat.

There was a firmness in his tread, as he passed through the store,
looking quickly to the right and left, without turning his head, which
told of energy and decision; but there was in the whole appearance of
the man something repugnant and disagreeable, and a shadow seemed to
fall on every face he passed, so that the whole line of clerks, ranged
on either side behind the counters, and a moment before so cheerful and
bright, looked as if a pall had been dropped over them after he had gone
by.

Gulian and Arthur had shrunk back at his first entrance, and felt as
certain at that moment that this man was Mr. Delancey as they did a few
minutes afterwards, when Wilkins took them up, and formally introduced
them.

"So, you've come?" said he, by way of greeting, and turning his keen
eyes upon them alternately, as Wilkins named them, "which of you is it
that's been in the business before?"

"I, sir," said Arthur, stepping forward.

"What do you know about it? what have you been accustomed to
doing--anything more than sweeping out and cleaning the lamps?"

"I never swept out, or cleaned a lamp, in my life, sir. I have sold
goods, and sometimes taken charge of the books in the book-keeper's
absence."

"No airs, young man--don't want any exhibitions of pride here; you'll
have to do whatever you're set at in my service, if it's washing
windows. Can you make out, a bill?"

Arthur's face was very red, and angry words were on his lips, but Guly's
hand that moment touched his arm, and pressed it gently. He remembered
all, and answered calmly that he could.

"Step up here, then, and let me see you do it," said Mr. Delancey,
making room for him to use the large desk.

Arthur obeyed, and in a clear, bold hand, drew up the bill properly, and
handed it to him.

He ran it over with his eyes quickly and eagerly, as if certain of
finding a flaw; and there was something like disappointment in the tone
of his voice as he said, briefly, "Right, sir," and laid it down.

There was a moment's pause, during which Mr. Delancey busied himself in
writing down a great many figures on a piece of paper. When he had
finished he handed it to Arthur, with a look of triumph in his face, and
said, "Let's see you solve this problem correctly, if you can."

That sneering "if you can," to Arthur's mind seemed