"You are to go to Mr. Bradford at once," said Manson, as he received the letters Paul had brought.
There was a triumphant smile on the book-keeper's face which Paul did not fail to observe.
"What does it mean?" he thought. "Has he been complaining of me?"
This would not have troubled him but for Manson's evident satisfaction. It was clear, he thought, that something disagreeable was about to happen during the interview that awaited Paul. However, he did not propose to give his enemy the satisfaction of knowing that he had given him anxiety. He merely said in his usual tone, "Very well, sir," and proceeded to open the door of the inner office.
"Mr. Manson told me you wished to see me, sir," he said.
"Oh, yes," said Mr. Bradford, wheeling round in his office chair. "Manson has been making complaints against you."
"I am not surprised at that, sir. From the first, he appears to have disliked me. May I ask what he says?"
"He says you are not respectful to him."
"I am as respectful as I can be, but he is continually finding fault. It is impossible to please him."
"He wants me to discharge you."