"As secretary and treasurer of the National Street Advertising Men's Association, I've got to have a new frock-coat. Measure me for one."
Hendrik had the air of a man who sees an unpleasant duty ahead, but does not mean to shirk it. This attitude always commands respect from tailors, clergymen, and users of false weights and measures.
"Left the bank?" asked the tailor, uncertainly.
"I should say I had," answered Hendrik, emphatically.
"What is the new job, anyhow?" asked the tailor, professionally. His customers usually told him their business, their history, and their hopes. By listening he had been able to invest in real estate.
"As I was about to say when you interrupted me"—Hendrik spoke rebukingly.
"I beg your pardon, Mr. Rutgers," said the tailor, and blushed. He knew now he should have said "position" instead of "job." The civilization of to-day—including sanitary plumbing—is possible because price-tags were invented. This is not an epigram.
"—the clothes must be finished by Thursday. If you can't do it, I'll go somewhere else."
"Oh, we can do it, all right, Mr. Rutgers."
"Good morning," and Hendrik strode haughtily from the shop.