Mr. Lorimer, however, regretted afterwards giving in to the wishes of his son. He recognized the fact that Benton was an experienced salesman whose services were valuable, and that he was getting these at an extraordinary low rate of wages. He could secure a man in his place, doubtless, but it would not be so easy to get one so competent as cheaply. Accordingly, on the morning succeeding the dismissal he had a conversation with Julian at the breakfast table. "I think I shall have to take Benton back, Julian," he said. "What, after his impudence to me?" exclaimed Julian, frowning. "Probably you provoked him. At any rate he is a valuable man. I don't see how I can spare him." "There are lots of clerks out of employment." "That may be, but he has long experience." "If you take him back, pa, he will insult me again. I should think you would have more consideration for me." "I can require him to apologize to you. The man is poor as poverty, and won't dare to refuse." "Can't you cut down his pay?" "Not very well. I pay him very little now. You see, Julian, this is a matter of business. I think you are too much in the store, as you have no employment there. If you want to go to work, that will be a different matter." "No, thank you. When I go into business I want to be a banker or a wholesale merchant." "If you will be at the store at noon I will have Benton apologize to you." Mr. Benton was at work in his place when Julian passed through the store and paused in front of his counter. "Pa wants to see you in the office," he said, abruptly. "Very well, as soon as I fold up these goods," answered the salesman. "You'd better hurry up if you know what's best for yourself." "And you'd better cease talking to me in that way or I may teach you better manners." Julian Lorimer flushed, and his eyes blazed with anger. "Oho!" he said, "you don't seem to know who I am." "I know that you are an impudent boy." Julian nodded vigorously, and went at once to his father. "Well, I told Benton to come, and he said he'd come as soon as he got ready." "Are you repeating what he said exactly?" "Yes, that is, he said he'd come when he'd folded up some goods." "That is a different matter." "He called me an impudent boy and threatened to lick me." Mr. Lorimer did not reply to this. He had a suspicion that Julian had represented matters worse than they were. Two minutes later Henry Benton presented himself at the office. He was quiet and calm. "I understand you wish to see me, Mr. Lorimer," he said. "Yes. My son has complained of you." "You will excuse my saying that I am not in his employ, but in yours. If he were your partner he would have a right to speak to me about my work. As it is he is only your son, and I don't concede his right." "As my son he is entitled to your respect." "He would have been treated with respect had he treated me respectfully." "Did you ever hear the like?" Julian burst in.