‘Yes. I think the Thanshope people showed their good sense there, at any rate,’ said Myles, with a smile. ‘Let us hope so. But you will easily understand that such a position will take me away from home a good deal, and make me unable to attend to my business as fully as I have done.’ ‘Naturally,’ said Myles, with a sudden, quick glance upwards, as he first saw the drift of Sebastian’s remarks. His face flushed, and he rose from his chair, pacing about the room. ‘For some time Mr. Sutcliffe has been quite unfit for the post he held--I mean, as regards bodily health. I have wanted very much to provide him with an assistant, but did not know how to manage it without hurting his feelings. My conversation with Herr Süsmeyer decided me to ask you to take the post. Since then--in fact, this very morning--I have a telegram from Wilson with the news of poor Sutcliffe’s death. I cannot tell you how sorry I am. I liked him well. Such faithful probity, such diligence, and such capacity, are not found in one man in a hundred. But, long ago, I thought I had discovered them all in you, and my errand to you this morning is to ask if you will take Mr. Sutcliffe’s post in my business. Your energy, vigour, and the talents for business which Herr Süsmeyer tells me you have, would be invaluable to me, and without doubt the connection would be an advantageous one for you. What do you say?’ Myles had come to a stop in his restless walk, his hands plunged in his pockets, his brows knit, his eyes somewhat downcast. He did not look elated. His first words were not an explicit answer to Sebastian’s question. ‘I think you are the most generous man I ever knew, sir,’ he said at last, almost abruptly. ‘That is beside the question. There is no talk of generosity, but of a business connection, a contract entered into by us for our mutual advantage.’ ‘It would at least be very much to my advantage. Have you not considered that there are plenty of men, employers like yourself, who would be glad to see sons of theirs placed with you, and would furnish capital too, as a premium?’ ‘_Mon Dieu!_ yes, I know. I have had hints to that effect from more than one already. It does not suit me to do anything of the kind. I don’t want a young gentleman with capital, whom I shall have to teach. I want a business man, who can really take commercial care off my shoulders when cares of another kind are laid upon them. I am not a fellow to do things in a hurry. The whole matter has been well considered, and it is a great object with me to secure you. As to terms, we could come to some satisfactory arrangement, I doubt not. What I want to know now is, will you come to me, and take the place of manager of my business?’ Again Myles began to pace the room, biting his lip and frowning desperately. ‘You must think me strangely callous and indifferent, not to jump at such an offer,’ he began.