Mr. Lyttleton gave vent to a little laugh.
“Now I begin to understand what Adam Brewster meant when he said you were ‘morbidly honest,’” he replied. “But, in case you do not fill the bill, as you express it, I suppose I could ship you back home again. However, if you are willing to come with me, upon so short an acquaintance, I will assume the responsibility of your ability, and we’ll settle the matter here and now. Is it a bargain?”
“Yes, sir, and thank you very much,” Gerald heartily replied.
“Oh, you needn’t feel under any obligation, for I am going to make you earn your money,” retorted his companion, with a roguish twinkle in his eyes, but in a very satisfied tone. “Will you have a glass of wine with your dessert?”
“Thank you—no; I never take wine—just a cup of coffee, if you please.”
“Coffee for two,” briefly ordered the lawyer; but the look which he bestowed upon his new clerk was one of unqualified approbation.
“Do you disapprove of wines?” he questioned, as the waiter disappeared.
“I disapprove of the abuse of them,” said Gerald, flushing; “and if one does not use them at all one can never be guilty of excess.”
“That is a self-evident fact, surely,” said his companion. “How about smoking?”