ever. His mind reverted to
the great, dazzling spectacle of the thronged streets of the metropolis,
with their unceasing processions of eager people. Since he had all the
world to choose from, why not live in New York? But he did not care to
go to the city to be idle. He liked employment, and he preferred to earn
something, though he had no relish for speculation, nor even any desire
to run the risks of trade. But he thought that if he could contrive to
make enough to pay a portion of his own expenses, so as to add the
greater part of each year's dividends to his principal, such cautious
proceeding would entirely suit his prudent temperament and content his
moderate ambition. After taking time to revolve the matter carefully, he
wrote to the obliging Mr. Masters, suggesting that he would like to
secure some position in the bank. The letter came at an opportune
moment. A considerable number of the stockholders were opposed to the
president in regard to the general policy to be pursued. The opposition
was strong enough to give Masters some anxiety. What was known as "the
Millard stock" had been held neutral in consequence of Charley's
minority. If now Masters could attach this young shareholder to himself,
it would be a positive gain to the administration party in the
stockholders' meetings, and indeed it would put the opposition beyond
any chance of doing much mischief.

When Masters got the letter Farnsworth, the cashier, was called into his
room. But Farnsworth could not give him any information about Millard's
character or capacities. That he would not do without special training
for a teller or bookkeeper was too evident to require discussion. All
that could be said of him at first glance was that he wrote a good hand
and composed a letter with intelligence. He might be made of assistance
to the cashier if he should prove to be a man of regular habits and
application. What Masters wrote in reply was: "We should be most happy
to have the nephew and heir of one of our founders in the bank. At
present we have no vacancy suitable to you; for, of course, a man of
your position ought not to be assigned to one of the lowest clerkships.
But if an opportunity to meet your wishes should arise in the future we
will let you know."

It was only after some years' experience in the bank that Millard, in
looking over this letter, was able to conjecture its real significance.
Then he knew that when that letter went out of the bank