He showed no surprise, anger or disgust. Smith was equally cool. He answered the question snapped at him as if it had been the most natural in the world.
“Well, sir, that depends. The salary varies according to circumstances. And there are allowances, travelling, sir, and subsistence, sometimes.”
“Average?” said Donovan, “average net profit?”
Smith thought for a minute before answering. He was apparently anxious to be accurate and honest.
“I think, sir, I may say £200 a year, taking one thing with another.”
“Well,” said Donovan, “I’ll double that, in addition to what I’m paying you at present; on condition that you’re in my service only. As I said before, Smith, you’re a valuable man.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Smith. “Very generous of you. I appreciate the offer, but——”
He paused. He had some objection to make, but he hesitated to put it into words.
“I treble the Emperor’s two hundred pounds,” said Donovan.
“I beg pardon, sir. I wasn’t meaning to stand out for a larger salary. That’s not my point, sir. What I was going to say, sir, was——”