Accordingly, on the morning succeeding the dismissal he had a conversation with Julian at the breakfast table.
"I think I shall have to take Benton back, Julian," he said.
"What, after his impudence to me?" exclaimed Julian, frowning.
"Probably you provoked him. At any rate he is a valuable man. I don't see how I can spare him."
"There are lots of clerks out of employment."
"That may be, but he has long experience."
"If you take him back, pa, he will insult me again. I should think you would have more consideration for me."
"I can require him to apologize to you. The man is poor as poverty, and won't dare to refuse."
"Can't you cut down his pay?"
"Not very well. I pay him very little now. You see, Julian, this is a matter of business. I think you are too much in the store, as you have no employment there. If you want to go to work, that will be a different matter."