From the first he made a habit of seeking out David. His manner on such occasions was one of shy wistful friendliness, not quite sure of its welcome, that gave David an impulse to pat him on the head and say, "There, there, little man! It's all right. You're my chief and my time is all yours--though _I'd_ rather use it for work." However, he never said that, but was always respectful and polite. He took advantage of these chats to learn more of his duties. With unwearied patience Jonathan explained them, as well as other details of the business, expressing delight at David's interest. David saw that he had much to learn and he had grave doubts that he was earning his salary. He knew next to nothing of mechanics and did not always understand when Jonathan or Hegner, the foreman, explained some new device for which drawings were needed. But that wrought no change in Jonathan's manner. "I'm afraid," he would say, "we weren't very clear on that." And he would go over the explanation once more. When the drawings were correct: "Very good!" he would beam. "I wish I could draw as beautifully as you." "Do you think," David asked on one such occasion, when he had been in the position nearly a month, "that I'm really the man you want? Sometimes I seem pretty slow." "Oh, you mustn't think that," Jonathan said warmly. "You're catching on faster than I ever hoped for. You don't know what a help you are to me. The draftsmen I've had before used only their hands. You use your head." "Thank you," said David, grateful for the assurance, even if the good will behind it was a trifle obvious. "And you find your work interesting, don't you?" "I'm learning to like it--very much." He tried to make his answer convincing. But when he had left the office, Jonathan shook his head and sought out his bookkeeper. "That's a very nice young man, Miss Summers," he said. "Mr. Quentin, I mean." Miss Summers agreed. "But I'm afraid he's pretty heartsore yet." Miss Summers looked a question. "He's a young architect," Jonathan explained, "who didn't make good. I'm afraid this work seems a come-down to him." "That's too bad," said Miss Summers. "If you get a chance, I wish you would try to make things cheerful for him here." "Of course," said Miss Summers, who understood Jonathan quite well. "_We've_ got to try that. We must make a little conspiracy to that end. I'll try to think up some details." Miss Summers smiled as though she liked making little conspiracies with Jonathan. "Of course," she said again, and looked upon that as a promise.