"Yes, sometimes!"
"That looks very well, and your writing—I hope you have attended to the lessons I gave you. Without faultless penmanship, a clerk is always at disadvantage."
"I think you will not be displeased with my progress, sir."
"I am glad of it. It would grieve me, Robert, should you fall short in anything, after the recommendation I procured for your employers."
"I never will, sir, depend upon it—I never will if study and hard work will sustain me," answered the youth, earnestly.
"I do not doubt it. Now tell me about your companions, your amusements."
"Amusements, sir, how can I afford them?"
"Certainly the salary is too small!"
"I did not complain. In fact, I suppose it is large enough for the services!"
"Still you work all the time?"