"Well, Duffield!" he exclaimed, "do you know that it is ten years to-day since Herbert Latimer stood before us for examination?"
"Ah!" ejaculated Mr. Duffield, in the tone of one who did not care to pursue the subject further.
"You remember our agreement—are you still willing to make our success in that time a test of the truth of our respective principles?"
"It may afford a more conclusive proof of your better judgment in the selection of an associate."
"Sprague stands very high in his profession."
"Yes—I knew he would, for he has talent and connection—therefore I chose him; but he left me just at the time these were beginning to be available, as soon as the five years for which our agreement was made, had expired."
"What occasioned his leaving you?"
"Why, Duval offered him better terms than I had done—I should not have cared so much for his going, but he carried off many of my clients, with whom he had ingratiated himself during his connection with me. My practice has scarcely recovered yet from the injury which he did it."
"He seems to have acted on your own principle, and to have considered the main chance to mean the most money."
"And do you suppose Latimer would have remained with you if he could have made better terms for himself?"