“That would seem natural,” said he. “It would seem the direct, clear way. I am not boisterous; I threaten nothing.” Bellair knew that this reminder of the Prentidd episode did not help his cause, but he wished nothing to be lost from the force he possessed. At the same time, he knew that it was the policy of Lot & Company to give nothing unforced. He was interested. “We hadn’t thought of it, of course,” the future head now said, “but I have no doubt that Lot & Company has something as good for you as your old place, if you----” “But I do not want a position,” said Bellair. “What is it you want--again?” “I want a paper, saying that I stole nothing, that Lot & Company was in error in charging me with taking funds----” “A sort of explanation of our course?” “Not exactly--a statement of your course, and that you incriminated me unjustly----” Bellair spoke with slow clearness. “I really believe you had better see Mr. Jackson.” “Why?” “Because this is most unusual----” Another cough was heard. “Unusual--to straighten out a wrong that has hurt a man?” “The way you ask it. Lot & Company is willing to take you back----” “But I do not want to come back. You say that Lot & Company is eager to make amends----” Davy Acton came in, saying that Mr. Jabez was called to the advertising department for a moment.... To Bellair this was like an interruption of an interesting story, but he did not wait long. The scene was merely shifted. He was in Mr. Nathan’s room. Mr. Rawter joined them and Mr. Jabez returned directly. The latter reopened the conversation by relating justly and patiently what Bellair asked. “I don’t see why he shouldn’t have such a paper,” said Mr. Nathan, brushing his fingers through his hair, as if to force his thoughts down. He was not a whit older. The same identical dandruff was upon his shoulders. Mr. Rawter laughed jovially: “Don’t you see? That’s just it. Individually, that is exactly the situation--but a big house--all its ramifications affected--and who’s to be responsible for Lot & Company as a whole?” “It was Lot & Company that incriminated me,” said Bellair. “I told Mr. Bellair----” Mr. Jabez began. “Mr. Bellair had better come back to the House--that in itself is our acknowledgement,” interrupted his father. Evidently the son was not yet finished in training. Bellair turned to Mr. Jabez, who explained the point of Bellair’s unwillingness to return. There was silence at this, as if it were entirely incomprehensible. “Have you taken a position elsewhere in New York?” Mr. Nathan asked. “No.” “Are you going to?” “On that--I cannot be sure.”