"Yes, sir; I have entered the sales on the slate."
"Let me see them."
"A new style of necktie is out. I think it will be well to get it. It was asked for this morning."
"Very well. Just make a memorandum of it."
"Paul," said Mrs. Hoffman, who had listened to the conversation in surprise, "have you anything to do with this store?"
"I am the proprietor," answered Paul, smiling.
"Is it true? How did it happen?"
"I wanted to surprise you, mother, and so I told you nothing about it."
"When did you come into it?"
"This is only the second day. Mr. Preston helped me, or I could not have carried out the arrangement."