"I don't think Grey earns twice as much as I do, sir."
"Perhaps you think he does not earn any more."
"I don't see why he does."
"Then I will tell you. You have both been with me about the same length of time, you a little longer, I think, but length of service does not always enhance the value of service. Grey has devoted his evenings to study. He has acquired such a knowledge of German in particular that he can wait upon German customers. He has mastered all the details of the business, which you have not done. You are often late, often inattentive, and are no better clerk now than you were a year ago. That is the reason I am willing to give Gilbert higher pay than you. If you wish to fare as well as he has done, pursue the same course."
"I don't feel like studying in the evening; I am too tired," said Maurice, sullenly.
"Do as you please about that; but there is still another way in which, without any more time, you can make yourself more valuable, and merit increase of pay."
"How is that, sir?"
"Always be on the alert while you are here in the store. Then, in place of an indifferent salesman, you may become a good one—such as I should be very sorry to lose. At present, I confess I should not feel it to be a great loss if you withdrew to another establishment."
Maurice listened sullenly. It chafed his pride to be thus addressed by his employer, in presence of Gilbert.
As they went back to their duty, our hero said: