Guly bowed and advanced toward him; but it was with a heart bounding forebodingly, for he remembered he had been chiefly instrumental in getting his son convicted, and he fancied that the merchant was about to discharge him. He saw that Mr. Delancey looked ten years older than when he had seen him in the morning, and with a gush of sympathy in his warm heart, he gained the merchant's side and extended his hand.
Mr. Delancey took it, and for the first time pressed it kindly.
"Pardon me, sir, for touching upon a painful subject, but allow me to express the sincere sympathy I feel for you."
The merchant bowed, and for an instant both were silent, Mr. Delancey sitting with his eyes looking down.
"I sent for you," said he at last, speaking very quietly, and in a measured tone, "to ask you if you think yourself capable of filling the—the vacant place yonder?"
"The head clerk's."
"The same."
"I certainly think not, sir," replied Guly, blushing; "even though I were capable—which I think I am not—it might give rise to dissatisfaction among the other clerks."
"As for the dissatisfaction, that is my business. Did you ever study book-keeping?"