“I suppose we can send it,” said the clerk, ill-naturedly, “if you insist upon it.”
Meanwhile, though he had not observed it, his employer had approached, and heard the last part of the colloquy. He was considered by some as a hard man, but there was one thing he always required of those in his employ; that was to treat all purchasers with uniform courtesy, whatever their circumstances.
“Are you objecting to sending this lady's bundle?” said Mr. Barclay, sternly.
The clerk looked up in confusion.
“I told her we would send it,” he stammered.
“I have heard what passed. You have been deficient in politeness. If this happens again, you leave my employ.”
“I will take your address,” said the clerk, in a subdued tone.
Mrs. Hoffman gave it, and left the store, thankful for the interference of the great merchant who had given his clerk a lesson which the latter, as he valued his situation, found it advisable to bear in mind.