"Yes. She is a faithful ally. She has taken a daily situation as companion to a blind lady. It all helps to bring grist to the mill. Allister is very anxious to come back, Mr. Street. I really see no reason why he should not. I am sure of one thing--that he is as capable of doing his work here now as any clerk we employ."
"Now. Will you guarantee that he shall continue capable of doing it?"
"I wish I could guarantee it."
"Of course. If wishes were horses--you know the old adage. Were I to take him on now, perhaps in winter he would get ill, and have to leave again. We can't afford those interruptions."
"I trust indeed he would not. He passed well through last winter; improving in it every day."
"Last winter was a mild one, except for a little extreme cold we had in November. Next winter may be a severe one. I tell you, Cray, there's only one safeguard for Allister; and that's a warmer climate. At any rate, a more settled one. Such is my opinion."
Oswald would not give in. "Considering that Allister is now in health and strength----"
"Strength for him," put in Mr. Street.
"Well, strength for him if you like to put it so. But I am sure you would be surprised to see how strong he does appear to be. Considering this, and that he believes himself to be permanently and radically cured, it will sound very hard to him if I tell him that we cannot take him back again."
"If your wish is to have him back--that is, if you make a personal matter of it--have him," said Mr. Street. "I see you want it."