"Yes," he said, "she told me of it."
"Sit down, Jeremiah."
The astute young man obeyed in silence, and inwardly congratulated himself. "Things are going on swimmingly," he thought; "the fish is as good as in my net already." While Miser Farebrother, gazing on Jeremiah, thought, "I'll bind him tight; I'll bind him tight!" Presently he spoke.
"You have been a long time in my service, and are acquainted with my business."
"I know all the ins and outs of it," said Jeremiah. "I've got it at my fingers' ends."
Miser Farebrother sighed. Humbly as Jeremiah's words were spoken, the miser felt that his managing clerk had him in his power. Well, the best plan was to put chains around him, and what chains so tight and binding as matrimony?
"If I came to grief, Jeremiah, you could set up in business for yourself?"
"Yes," said Jeremiah, boldly; "and make a fortune. But you come to grief! No, sir; not while I am with you."
"It is my misfortune," continued the miser, "and your good luck, that I am ill and weak, and unable to give the proper personal attention to my affairs."
"Why say 'misfortune,' sir? It may be your good luck as well as mine."