Only half realising what they had just heard, one or two managed to give expression to their sincere regret at the intelligence so abruptly conveyed, together with the earnest hope that he would long live to enjoy the rest and ease he was looking forward to, and had so well earned, when they were again left alone to separate, and speculate upon what had been so suddenly communicated. On returning to the office in which he had left his visitor, all traces of the emotion so recently evinced had disappeared from Mr. Houghton’s face, and he proceeded to discuss the situation, and to unfold the working of the business with his usual calmness and clearness. But the contemplated interview with the employés of the establishment was for the present declined by his visitor, under the pretence that, being so new to everything and everybody, he was not quite prepared for such an ordeal as that would seem to involve. On taking his leave, soon after, it was with the promise that he would pay a further visit very shortly. The news, which spread throughout the "house," created no little consternation; whilst everywhere and by everyone it was received with the most unqualified expressions of regret, Mr. Houghton being a man held in universal esteem by all who knew him. As opportunity offered, throughout the remainder of the day, little groups were to be observed in the various departments, discussing the _pros_ and _cons_ of an event which might mean so much to all in the employ of the firm. Roberts, who had been a servant for a long series of years, and occupied a position second only to that held by Mr. Houghton, was very decided in the expression of his views in a conversation subsequently held with Arnold, who regarded himself as an expert in his own particular department. "I don’t believe," said Roberts, "that this so-called retirement is the voluntary act of Mr. Houghton." "How then," said Arnold, "do you consider it has come about?" "It appears to me to have been forced upon him." "Don’t you think he knew that Mr. Johnson was coming?" "No, I do not; that, I think, was as much a surprise to himself as it was to us." "Well," added Arnold, "if the emotion he manifested may be taken as evidence, he seemed to be quite unmanned, and very ill-prepared for what he wished to say." "Yes; and to my thinking," said Roberts, "no clearer proof is needed than the fact of his resignation being only made known to us when his successor was in the house. Had he been aware of what was impending, I have no hesitation in saying he would have prepared himself for the issue, and informed us of it in a more leisurely and self-possessed manner." "Rather rough treatment of a man who has been a trusted and respected servant for over fifty years!"