_H. of D._ (_severely_). Mr. PUDDICOMBE, you surprise me. I am here, Sir, to do the best I can for the Firm--and _I shall do it._ If somebody else's prices are better than yours, somebody else gets the line, that's all. Good day, Mr. PUDDICOMBE. (_Aside._) Confound his impudence!--he shan't have another order if _I_ can help it! Trifling bonus, indeed! One thing, he daren't split--so _I_'m safe. [_Exit_ PUDDICOMBE, _despondently. Enter, presently, a hopeful-looking person, with a sample-bag._ _H. of D._ (_cheerily_). Ah, Mr. PINCHER, how do--how do? Haven't seen you for an age. _Mr. Pincher_. Good day, Mr. SCROOP. I heard you wanted to see me, and, as I've a _very_ cheap line in your way, I thought, as I was passing, I'd venture to look in. _H. of D._ Quite right, PINCHER. What's the figure, my boy? _Pincher_ (_slily_). A shade lower than the lowest you've been giving. Is that good enough? _H. of D._ Well--ahem!--yes--of course, if the _quality_ is right. _Pincher_. O.K., I assure you, Sir! _H. of D._ Well, we're quoted as low as forty-five. If you can beat that, I think I can place the order with you. _Pincher_ (_aside_). Liar! Even poor PUDDICOMBE wouldn't go under fifty. However, here goes! (_Aloud._) Will five off meet your views? _H. of D._ Say seven and a half, and I'm on. _Pincher_. Done with you, Sir. (_Aside._) With what he'll want for himself, there's "nothing in it!"--_this_ time. _H. of D._ Well--subject, of course, to our Principal's approval, I think I may say the line is yours, PINCHER. (_Aside._) Don't know how the doose he does it! Well, that's none o' my business. Won't old SKINFLINT be pleased? Must try and spring him for a holiday, on the strength of it. _Pincher_. Thanks--many thanks. (_Books it._) Hope we shall do more business together,--to our mutual advantage. By the way, Mr. SCROOP--(_in a low voice_)--if there _is_ any little thing I can put in your way, you know, I, er--er!-- _H. of D._ Oh, don't mention it, PINCHER. Give me a look up on Tuesday evening, at home. You know my little place at Peckham. My good lady'll give you a little music. _Pincher_. Ah, I've a good deal of influence in that line. Now, if there's anything Mrs. SCROOP might fancy--I know "perks" are not in _your_ line, but the ladies, my boy, the ladies! _H. of D._ (_laughing_). You will have your joke, PINCHER. Well, oddly enough, the Missis was only saying last night she wanted a new piano--one of BROADWOOD's grands, for choice--and if you-- _Pincher_ (_mysteriously_). Leave it to me, my dear Sir, leave it to me. If Mrs. SCROOP isn't satisfied by this day week, why--never give me another line. Ha! ha! _Good_ day, Mr. SCROOP! [_Exit, chuckling_. * * * * * ROBERT'S RETURN TO THE CITY.