“No.”
Hamish did not expect the answer. He looked inquiringly at Mr. Huntley. “Why can I not?”
“Because I cannot now recommend you to it,” was the reply.
“But why not?” exclaimed Hamish.
“When I spoke of you as becoming Mr. Bartlett’s successor, I believed you would be found worthy to fulfil his duties.”
“I can fulfil them,” said Hamish.
“Possibly. But so much doubt has arisen upon that point in my own mind, that I can no longer recommend you for it. In fact, I could not sanction your appointment.”
“What have I done?” inquired Hamish.
“Ask your conscience. If that does not tell you plainly enough, I shall not.”
“My conscience accuses me of nothing that need render me unfit to fill the post, and to perform my duties in it, Mr. Huntley.”