"You had better take his place," said the ducal proprietor to
Harold.
"Right," said Harold. "I suppose I shall have to resign my post at the office?"
"Just as you like. I don't see why you should."
"I should miss the cricket," said Harold wistfully, "and the salary.
I'll go round and see what I can arrange."
But there were also changes at the office. Harold had been rising steadily in salary and seniority during his absence, and he found to his delight that he was now a Principal Clerk. He found, too, that he had acquired quite a reputation in the office for quickness and efficiency in his new work.
The first thing to arrange about was his holiday. He had had no holiday for more than a year, and there were some eight weeks owing to him.
"Hullo," said the Assistant Secretary as Harold came in, "you're looking well. I suppose you manage to get away for the week-ends?"
"I've been away on sick leave for some time," said Harold pathetically.
"Have you? You've kept it very secret. Come out and have lunch with me, and we'll do a matinee afterwards."
Harold went out with him happily. It would be pleasant to accept the editorship of The Evening Surprise without giving up the Governmental work which was so dear to him, and the Assistant Secretary's words made this possible for a year or so anyhow. Then, when his absence from the office first began to be noticed, it would be time to think of retiring on an adequate pension.