was going to have smallpox, but the
doctor says I'm not."

"And does that account for your face being in that state, pray?"

"No, sir, I got that boxing--that is fighting."

"Most discreditable conduct! Is that all you have to say?"

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry I was away yesterday."

"Well, now, listen to what I have to say," said Mr Barnacle, laying
down his pen, and leaning forward in his chair. "You've not been doing
well lately, Batchelor. I've watched you and I've watched your work,
and I don't like it. I was mistaken in you, sir. You're idle, sir, and
unless you improve I sha'n't keep you another week, mind that."

"Indeed, sir--" I began.

"Hold your tongue, sir," said Mr Barnacle. "We've no room in this
office for boys of your kind, and unless you change you must go
somewhere else. You've played the fool quite enough here."

I would fain have replied to justify myself, but in the junior partner's
present temper the attempt would have been hazardous.

So I said nothing and returned to my work, determined for my own credit,
as well as in my own interest, to show Mr Barnacle that he had judged
me harshly.

How I worked that week! I refused invitation after invitation, and
stayed late after every one else had gone to get ahead with my work.
During office hours I steadily abstracted myself from what was going on
all round, and determined that nothing should draw me from my tasks. I
even volunteered for and undertook work not strictly my own, greatly to
the amazement of everybody, especially Wallop, who began to think there
really must be something in the rumour that I was not well. And all the
while I most assiduously doctored my face, which gradually came to
resume its normal complexion.

I could see that this burst of industry was having its due effect in
high quarters. Mr Barnacle, who after his lecture had treated me
gruffly and abruptly for some days, began again to treat me civilly, and
Mr Merrett bestowed once or twice a special commendation on my
industry.

In due time, so far from feeling myself a repentant idler, I had grown
to consider myself one of the most virtuous, industrious, and well-
principled clerks in London, and in proportion as this conviction got
hold of me my application to work relaxed. One event especially
completed my self-satisfaction. About three weeks after my interview
with Mr Barnacle I was summoned into the partners' room, and there
informed that, having now be