“And what good will they do him? I wish he understood a little more about banking! Why, even Rodd is worth two of him. He’s not in the bank four days in the week. Where is he to-day?”
“I am afraid that he took his gun—but it was the last day of the season. He said that he would not be out again. He has been really better lately.”
“Though I was away!” the banker exclaimed. And he said some strong things upon the subject, to which Betty had to listen.
However, he had recovered his temper when he sent for Arthur next day. He bade him close the door. “I want to speak to you,” he said; then he paused a moment while Arthur waited, his color rising. “It’s about yourself. When you came to me I did not expect much from the experiment. I thought that you would soon tire of it, being what you are. But you have stood to it, and you have shown a considerable aptitude for the business. And I have made up my mind to take you in—on conditions, of course.”
Arthur’s eyes sparkled. He had not hoped that the offer would be made so soon, and, much moved, he tried to express his thanks. “You may be sure that I shall do my best, sir,” he said.
“I believe you will, lad. I believe you will. Indeed, I am thinking of myself as well as of you. I had not intended to make the offer so soon—you are young and could wait. But you will have to bring in a certain sum, and capital can be used at present to great advantage.”
Arthur looked grave. “I am afraid, sir——”
“Oh, I’ll make it easy,” Ovington said. “This is my offer. You will put in five thousand pounds, and will receive for three years twelve per cent upon this in lieu of your present salary of one hundred and fifty—the hundred you are to be paid as Secretary to the Company is beside the matter. At the end of three years, if we are both satisfied, you will take an eighth share—otherwise you will draw out your money. On my death, if you remain in the bank, your share will be increased to a third on your bringing in another five thousand. You know enough about the accounts to know——”
“That it’s a most generous offer,” Arthur exclaimed, his face aglow. And with the frankness and enthusiasm, the sparkling eye and ready word that won him so many friends, he expressed his thanks.
“Well, lad,” the other answered pleasantly, “I like you. Still, you had better take a short time to consider the matter.”