ntirely satisfied, Herr von Fink," replied the
merchant, with some reserve; "you were not in your proper place here.
But that has not prevented my discerning that for other and more active
pursuits you were eminently well fitted. You have, in a high degree, the
faculty of governing and arranging, and you possess uncommon energy of
will. A desk in a counting-house is not the place for such a nature."

Fink bowed. "Nevertheless, it was my duty," said he, "to fill that place
properly, and I own that I have not done so."

"You came here unaccustomed to regular work, but during the last few
months you have differed but little from a really industrious
counting-house clerk. Hence my letter to your father."

Fink rose, and the merchant accompanied him to the door, saying, "Your
departure will be a great loss to one of our friends."

Fink abruptly stopped, and said, "Let him go with me to America. He is
well fitted to make his fortune there."

"Have you spoken to him on the subject?"

"I have not."

"Then I may state my opinion unreservedly. Wohlfart is young, and I
believe the defined and regular work of a house like this very
desirable discipline for him for some years to come. Meanwhile, I have
no right to sway his decision. I shall be sorry to lose him, but if he
thinks he will make his fortune more rapidly with you, I have no
objection to make."

"If you will allow me, I will ask him at once," said Fink.

Then calling Anton into the office, he went on to say, "Anton, I have
requested Mr. Schroeter to allow you to accompany me. It will be a great
point to me to have you with me. You know how much attached to you I am;
we will share my new career, and get on gloriously, and you shall fix
your own conditions. Mr. Schroeter leaves you to decide."

Anton stood for a moment thoughtful and perplexed; the future so
suddenly opened out to him looked fair and promising, but he soon
collected himself, and, turning to the principal, inquired, "Is it your
opinion that I should do right to go?"

"I can not say it is, dear Wohlfart," was the merchant's grave reply.

"Then I remain," said Anton, decidedly. "Do not be angry with me, Fritz,
for not following you. I am an orphan, and have now no home but this
house and this firm. If Mr. Schroeter will keep me, I will remain with
him."

Evidently touched by the words, the merchant replied: "Remember,
however, that thus deciding you give up much. In my counting-house you
can ne