"The fact is, Daniells," he said, "I want an opportunity to ingratiate myself with the fair Rose. I will take her part, pay her the money as a favor, and—you comprehend?"
"Yes, I see. The fact is, Rose is pretty, and if I were not a married man I would try to obtain a smile from her myself."
"Just do as I tell you, there's a good fellow, and you won't lose by it."
When Rose had obtained by good fortune the powerful friendship of the rich Miss Wilmot, she, of course, decided to give up vest-making. She had some time left, but she felt that it would be necessary for her to keep up her practice at home, if she aspired to become a successful piano-teacher. However, she would finish the vests she had in hand, and let those be the last.
When the vests were finished she took them round to Mr. Walton's establishment.
The vigilant Daniells did not fail to note her appearance, and prepared to serve the interests of his superior in the way which had been arranged between them.
"So you've finished the vests?" he said, carelessly. "Let me look at them."
Rose regarded this as a mere formality, knowing that they had been well made, and never before having had her work objected to.
What was her surprise, therefore, when Daniells went over them one by one, frowning and shaking his head, disapprovingly.
"Really," he said, "these vests are hardly satisfactory."