So on the morrow, as soon as Mr. Winthrope had arrived, he was surprised to receive a polite little note, via the messenger, to call in the office of Mr. Monroe as early as convenient, and without interference in his official capacity. Ever prompt in complying with such informal invitations (which he took it to be, instead of a command), and having time to spare before the arrival of Mr. Jarney, he repaired at once to the sanctum of Mr. Monroe. That gentleman, John was also surprised to see, had unbended to such proportions, that, when John approached his desk, he arose, and shook hands with him, an heretofore unheard of performance of cordiality on Mr. Monroe's part. "I have asked you in, Mr. Winthrope," said Monroe, "to apologize for intruding on you last night. It was only a whim of one of the boys out on a lark, with whom, unfortunately, I fell in with at the untimely hour." "Oh, that is all right, Mr. Monroe," replied John. "I took no offense at your visit." "I thought, perhaps, you might have been offended." "The fact is, I was very busy last night and forgot all about your intrusion after you had gone," said John, smiling affably, but with noticeable indifference in his voice. "I should like to have your confidence, Mr. Winthrope," said the wily one. "Inasmuch, as we are near to the head of the firm, we should be on better terms." "Perhaps we should," answered John, still indifferent. "I shall deem it a pleasure to have you call on me some evening, and accompany me to dinner; or, if you will set the time, I shall call on you." "You are very kind, Mr. Monroe." "May I call, or will you call?" "Neither," replied John, without exhibiting a sign of what he meant. "Then, I am to understand, you do not court my company?" said the unruffled one. "No; not that, Mr. Monroe. I am very busy of evenings. Sometime I may accept your invitation; but not for the present," responded John. "What is it that so engrosses you of evenings, may I inquire?" asked the worming Monroe. "Yes; you may ask whatever you please--I am taking a post-graduate course in business on my own time," said John. "To what end?" asked Monroe. "That I may be better prepared to perform my duties; for that reason I do not care to spare the time to go out." "Very well, Mr. Winthrope; success to you," said Monroe. "But may I not anticipate your company to dinner before very long?" "I cannot now decide, Mr. Monroe--not now; but will inform you of my decision at a later date," replied John.