Mr. Bryant drove furiously in his haste, changing horses twice on the journey, so that they reached the city at one o'clock. On their arrival, Harry's attention naturally turned to the reception he expected to receive from his employers. He had not spoken of his relations with them at Rockville, preferring not to pain them, on the one hand, and not to take too much credit to himself for his devotion to Julia, on the other. After the horse was disposed of at Major Phillips's stable, Mr. Bryant walked down town with Harry; and when they reached the store of Wake & Wade, he entered with him.
"What have you come back for?" asked the senior partner, rather coldly, when he saw the delinquent. "We don't want you."
Harry was confused at this reception, though it was not unexpected.
"I didn't know but that you might be willing to take me again."
"No, we don't want you. Ah, Mr. Bryant! Happy to see you," continued Mr. Wake, recognizing Harry's friend.
"Did I understand you aright? Did you say that you did not want my young friend, here?" replied Mr. Bryant, taking the offered hand of Mr. Wake.
"I did say so," said the senior. "I was not aware that he was your friend, though," and he proceeded to inform Mr. Bryant that Harry had left them against their wish.
"A few words with you, if you please."
Mr. Wake conducted him to the private office, where they remained for half an hour.
"It is all right, Harry," continued Mr. Wake, on their return. "I did not understand the matter."