"He is very kind to me."
"Ah! that's it—that's his fault. When I'm gone, I have a fear that he will make a muddle of the bank with his easiness. He's the best son that ever lived, I think, but he's too easy."
Sidney did not consider himself warranted in replying to this.
"So take my advice, Sidney, and steer clear of him as much as you can," he said.
"I don't think that the advice is needed, sir. Our position—"
"Fiddle-de-dee—he never cared for position, and, unfortunately, he's taken a fancy to you. The scamp wanted to double your salary yesterday, without any rhyme or reason, only relationship. Foolish, wasn't it?"
"Well, I don't deserve any increase of salary yet, sir—it has not been fairly earned," was the frank answer.
"Exactly—now listen to me. I think it is just possible that Mr. Maurice may forget that your salary is small, and that you have a father to keep. Let me tell you that he is an expensive acquaintance, and a little removed from your sphere."
"I know it, sir."
"Some day it may be different—we can't tell what may happen, but take care of him for awhile. A noble young fellow, a good business man in business hours, but not calculated to improve your mercantile abilities by a closer acquaintance."