John halted a moment, on seeing all these things, stepped lightly, with his pinching slippers causing him to wince, into the deep velvet, as if he were treading on a field of the most delicate violets. He took in the room at a glance. He had never seen the head of the firm but once before. This was the first time he had come face to face with the great captain of industry. Although he was uncertain of the wishes of Mr. Jarney to have him in his presence, he did not quail at advancing to be presented; but he trembled unnecessarily over the fear that he might be discharged, and thrown out of a position, for what, as he thought, as the affair of the night before. "Mr. Jarney, this is Mr. Winthrope," said Monroe, almost in a whisper, and he turned and left the room, going as quickly as a fleeing ghost. "Glad to meet you, Mr. Winthrope," said Mr. Jarney, rising and presenting a warm hand. Mr. Jarney shook the extended hand of John's with such vigor that John came near losing his tight-fitting slippers and his balance in the pulling force of Mr. Jarney's grip. "I am glad to know you," returned John, recovering his surprise over Mr. Jarney's graciousness. "Sit down," said Mr. Jarney, releasing John's hand, and motioning him to a deep mahogany chair by his desk. John sat down. Without removing his eyes from John, Mr. Jarney drew a box of cigars out of the depths of his desk, and, opening it, extended it toward him. "Have a smoke?" he said, pleasantly. "Thank you; I do not smoke," answered John, confusedly. "Good!" exclaimed Mr. Jarney, as he flapped the lid on the box. As he laid it away he still kept his eyes on his visitor. John was so uncomfortable in the big chair, and the slippers were pinching him so unmercifully, that he was very miserable. When he leaned backward, he seemed to have fallen to the floor on his back; when he sat up straight, his back pained him; when he leaned forward, he felt awkward. "Young man," said Mr. Jarney, easily, lighting a cigar, and still keeping his keen eyes on John, "this is an unusual procedure on my part, you will no doubt think." "I don't know," gasped John. "Well," continued Mr. Jarney, "I have summoned you here for a quiet chat." John wondered what this great man could find in him to talk about. "Yes, I want to talk with you," he continued. "You are a good young man, I understand. How old are you?" "Twenty-two." "Hah! twenty-two; the proper age. Where is your home?" "In the city, at present." "I mean, where were you raised?" "In the mountains of Fayette county." "Hah! just so. Another point in your favor. Now, then, do you have any money?" "None; only what I earn here." "How much is that?" "Fifteen per week." "Hah! what do you do with your money above your keep?" "Send it to my parents." "Hah! another point in your favor. With whom do you associate?" "Have not been in the city long enough to acquire intimate associates."