Crampton grunted and went into the outer office to return with the cash-book, which he placed before his employer, and drew back into his old position, watching Van Heldre as he eagerly scanned the pages and marked their contents till, apparently satisfied, he looked up to see that Crampton was smiling down at him.
“What now?”
“Eh?”
“I say what now? Why are you laughing?”
“Only smiling, sir.”
“Well, what have I done that is ridiculous?”
“Ridiculous? Why I was smiling because it seemed like the good old times to have you back busy with the books.”
“Crampton, we often say that my old friend is an eccentric character, but really I think Luke Vine must give place to you.”
“Dessay,” said Crampton sourly. “You go on with these accounts. Look half-way down.”
Van Heldre did look half-way down, and paused.