Part 10 (2/2)
John wondered what this great man could find in him to talk about.
”Yes, I want to talk with you,” he continued. ”You are a good young man, I understand. How old are you?”
”Twenty-two.”
”Hah! twenty-two; the proper age. Where is your home?”
”In the city, at present.”
”I mean, where were you raised?”
”In the mountains of Fayette county.”
”Hah! just so. Another point in your favor. Now, then, do you have any money?”
”None; only what I earn here.”
”How much is that?”
”Fifteen per week.”
”Hah! what do you do with your money above your keep?”
”Send it to my parents.”
”Hah! another point in your favor. With whom do you a.s.sociate?”
”Have not been in the city long enough to acquire intimate a.s.sociates.”
”Hah! four good points in your favor. What is the extent of your education?”
”I attended the common schools of my district, then learned bookkeeping and stenography at a business college.”
”Hah! five good points in your favor. That is enough. Would you like to be my private secretary?”
John was calm under the ordeal of this examination into his character and habits and ability, answering the questions as deliberately as if he were before a court-witness examiner. But when the last question was put to him he became unduly nervous, as is so often true of young men of sterling worth and latent capabilities. The question came so unexpectedly and from such an unexpected source that he could not, at first, clearly comprehend its meaning; nor could he frame an appropriate answer on such a momentous proposition. While he was ambitious and desirous of rising to an eminence in the world of business that would place him where he thought he deserved, he, at the same time, knew his failings, if any he had worth mentioning.
”Mr. Jarney,” said John, finally, after studying for a few moments; ”this has been unsought on my part, and is a great surprise. If I deserve such a promotion, so soon after coming into your service, I a.s.sure you I am thankful, and shall endeavor to make good.”
”I take it, then, that you have accepted?” said Mr. Jarney.
”I have.”
”Mr. Winthrope, your duties will be to look after my private affairs.
You will have your office in the adjoining room. You are to be under no one's orders but my own. Your salary will be increased to twenty-five per week, and if you prove satisfactory, after a fair trial, which I believe you will, you will be compensated according as I value your services. Be at your desk at ten a. m. tomorrow. Now you may go.”
John arose; Mr. Jarney arose. They stood a moment looking at each other.
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