As Phil didn't know that this form of expression, slightly varied, had become a popular phrase of the day, he did not laugh.
“Do you belong to the church?” asked the youth, stopping short in his own mirth.
“What makes you ask?”
“Because you don't laugh.”
“I would if I saw anything to laugh at.”
“Come, that's hard on me. Honor bright, have you come to do any business with us?”
It is rather amusing to see how soon the cheapest clerk talks of “us,” quietly identifying himself with the firm that employs him. Not that I object to it. Often it implies a personal interest in the success and prosperity of the firm, which makes a clerk more valuable. This was not, however, the case with G. Washington Wilbur, the young man who was now conversing with Phil, as will presently appear.
“I am going to work here,” answered Phil simply.
“Going to work here!” repeated Mr. Wilbur in surprise. “Has old Pitkin engaged you?”
“Mr. Pitkin engaged me yesterday,” Phil replied.