“Shall I read it?”
“Yes.”
Rather disturbed in mind, Joshua took the letter, and read as follows:
“My Dear Brother:--I think you have acted most unkindly in refusing to receive my Henry into your employ, and taking instead a stranger. I think the poor boy, not to mention myself, had a right to expect something better at your hands. Certainly, so near a relation ought to be preferred to a stranger. I could not believe it when I first heard of your very unkind treatment. I hope you may yet change your mind, and discharge this stranger, who can have no claim upon you.
“I will tell you what I will do. I have heard you say that you are cramped for capital to enlarge your business; now, if you will discharge this stranger, and will take Henry, I will agree to let you have a thousand dollars with him, in return for which you can give him a slight interest in the business. Please let me hear from you at once.
“Your sister, Cornelia Barker.”
“He is going to discharge me,” thought Joshua, very much disturbed, as he finished reading the letter.
“You see in what a position I am placed, Drummond,” said Mr. Remington.
“Yes, sir.”
“I would rather have you than my nephew. You have more business capacity than he.”