Julian Lorimer could be depended upon to act meanly and maliciously, without any scruples of conscience. Two days later Mr. Benton was summoned to the superintendent's room.
"You wished to see me, sir?" he said.
"Yes. I wish to show you a letter which the firm has received."
Henry Benton took the proffered letter, and read with what feelings can be imagined the following communication:
"Gentlemen—
"In visiting your store yesterday I saw a Mr. Benton behind the dress goods counter who used to work in our, that is, my father's store. I was surprised that you should employ him. He brought no recommendation from us, or if he presented one it was forged. My father found him unsatisfactory, and was quite glad to get rid of him. He is a poor man, and I don't want to injure him, but I thought it only right that I should tell you what my father thinks of him. He would not tell us where he was going, and it was only by chance that I found out.
Yours truly,
"Julian Lorimer."
"Well, Mr. Wilson, I have read the letter," said Benton. "Is there anything you would like to ask me in reference to it?"
"Is the writer correct in his statements?"
"So far from it that his father asked me to stay longer, and offered me an additional dollar a week."
"Did you have any trouble when in Mr. Lorimer's store?"
"Yes; this boy Julian, who has nothing to do with the business, interfered with my work and was very insolent. I rebuked him and he succeeded in getting his father to discharge me. Afterward his father revoked the dismissal and wished me to stay. But I had already a situation offered me here, and I declined. I hope this letter will not prejudice you against me."