was in the wind. But the last thing that both expected was a demand on
Jamie's part for an increased salary. Jamie made it respectfully, with
his hat off, twirling in his hand, and the Bowdoins eyed him.

"It isna that I'm discontented with the place or the salary in the
past," said Jamie, "but our expenses are increasing. I have rented a
house in Worcester Square."

"In Worcester Square? And the one in Salem Street?"

"'Tis too small for me family needs," said Jamie. "I have sold it."

"Too small?"

"Me daughter is about to be married," said Jamie reluctantly.

"Dear me!" exclaimed the Bowdoins in a breath. "May we congratulate
her?"

"Ye may do as ye like," said Jamie. "'Tis one Mr. David St. Clair,--a
gentleman, as he tells me."

"Is he to live with you, then?"

"Yes, sir. He wants work--that is"--Jamie hesitated.

"He has no occupation?"

Jamie was visibly irritated. "If I bring the gentleman down, ye may
ask him your ain sel'."

"No, no," said Mr. James. "That is, we should, of course, be glad to
meet the gentleman at any time. What is his name?"

"David St. Clair."

"David Sinclair," repeated the old gentleman.

"Mercedes Silva," said Mr. James musingly.

"McMurtagh, if you please," said Jamie.

"Jamie," said old Mr. Bowdoin, "our business is going away. The
steamers will ruin it. For a long time there has not been enough to
occupy a man of your talents. And the old bookkeeper at the bank--the
Old Colony Bank--has got to resign. I've already asked the place for
you. The salary is--more than we here can afford to pay you. In fact,
we may close the counting-room."

Jamie rubbed his nose and shifted his feet. "Ta business is a goot
business, and t' firm is a fine old firm." It was evident he was in
the throes of unexpressed affection. In all his life he had never
learned to express it. "Ye'll na be closing the old counting-room?"

"I may come down here every day or so, just to keep my trusts up. I'll
use it for a writing-room; it's near the bank"--

"An' I'll come down an' keep the books for you, sir," said Jamie; and
the "sir" from his lips was like a caress from another man.

III.

Jamie took his place on the high stool behind the great ledgers of the
Old Colony Bank, and the house on Worcester Square was even bought,
with his savings and the price of the house on Salem Street. Only one
thing Jamie flatly refused, and that was to permit Mercedes' marriage
until St. Clair had s