gh desk, and sat there with his eyes
looking out of the door before him. Those who knew the result of the
morning trial pitied him deeply, wondering at the calmness he
displayed; but Guly, who knew how much more he had suffered by the
flight of his only daughter, and sole remaining child, felt for him a
deep and earnest sympathy which he longed to, but dared not, express.

Suddenly the merchant rose in his seat.

"Gulian Pratt, if disengaged I would like to see you here."

Guly bowed and advanced toward him; but it was with a heart bounding
forebodingly, for he remembered he had been chiefly instrumental in
getting his son convicted, and he fancied that the merchant was about to
discharge him. He saw that Mr. Delancey looked ten years older than when
he had seen him in the morning, and with a gush of sympathy in his warm
heart, he gained the merchant's side and extended his hand.

Mr. Delancey took it, and for the first time pressed it kindly.

"Pardon me, sir, for touching upon a painful subject, but allow me to
express the sincere sympathy I feel for you."

The merchant bowed, and for an instant both were silent, Mr. Delancey
sitting with his eyes looking down.

"I sent for you," said he at last, speaking very quietly, and in a
measured tone, "to ask you if you think yourself capable of filling
the--the vacant place yonder?"

"The head clerk's."

"The same."

"I certainly think not, sir," replied Guly, blushing; "even though I
were capable--which I think I am not--it might give rise to
dissatisfaction among the other clerks."

"As for the dissatisfaction, that is my business. Did you ever study
book-keeping?"

"I have, sir."

"Know something about it?"

"Something, sir."

"Then take your place at the desk yonder, and consider the situation and
the salary yours."

Guly was utterly astonished. It was something so far from his
expectations--a promotion he had only aspired to in the future; and to
receive such unexpected good fortune was something for which he felt
deeply grateful, and he told the merchant so.

But, as Guly was moving away, a sudden thought crossed his mind, and
with a glance of sorrow, not for himself, but for the bereaved father,
he said:

"Mr. Delancey, I fear if you knew all you would not feel disposed to do
this for me. There are some circumstances I would feel happier to have
you know, and then if you still feel thus inclined, I shall take the
situation, feeling that I have