William Jordan, Junior, descended from his stool obediently. Mr. Dodson, with the aid of a ruler and some red ink, crossed out the name of M. Arnold Dodson from the current page of that work, and wrote thereunder, G. Eliot Davis 8.30, vice M. Arnold Dodson gone up-stairs.
No sooner had Mr. Dodson performed this operation than Mr. W. P. Walkinshaw returned to that sphere over which he presided with so much distinction, and said in his kind but cultivated voice, “Mr. Dodson, Mr. Octavius will be glad if you will go up and see him.”
“I will, sir,” said Mr. Dodson in a tone which, subdued as it was, resounded through the counting-house.
As for the second time within a very short period Mr. Dodson took his meritorious way up the familiar stairs to Mount Olympus, he knocked again on the door of Mr. G. Eliot Davis.
“Mr. Davis,” said Mr. Dodson, thrusting in his head, “prepare to receive cavalry.”
Before Mr. Davis could demand the meaning of this enigmatic injunction, Mr. Dodson had entered the august presence yet again.
Mr. Octavius Crumpett was seated in pontificalibus with the glass in his benign right eye, and the tips of his white and beautifully-kept hands pressed together.
“Mr. Dodson,” said Mr. Octavius Crumpett, “I learn from Mr. Walkinshaw that during the four years you have been associated with this house, your conduct has been exemplary in the highest degree. I learn that your attainments are entirely worthy of the—ah, traditions of this house. It gives me more pleasure, Mr. Dodson, than I can express to ask you to accept an increase of honorarium from £90 per annum, which I understand you enjoy at present, to the sum of £200 per annum, which will date from to-day. Further, it is my intention to ask you to take up your duties to-morrow morning in the next room, which at present is in the occupation of Mr. Davis. I think I may say that I concur entirely with Mr. Walkinshaw in the opinion to which he has given recent expression, that your considerable natural talent marks you out for a higher destiny than that which you enjoy at present. I shall be obliged, Mr. Dodson, if you will ask Mr. Davis to come here.”
“Mr. Davis,” said Mr. Dodson, projecting a somewhat sinister countenance into the ante-room, whose accomplished occupant was studying the Sporting Times, “Mr. Octavius will be obliged if you will have the condescension to go next door.”