"Ah, Edward! How do you do to-day?" said Mr. Melleville, kindly, as the young man came in.
"Very well in body, but not so well in mind," was the frank reply, as he took the proffered hand of his old employer.
"Not well in mind, ah! That's about the worst kind of sickness I know of, Edward. What's the matter?"
"As I have dropped in to talk with you a little about my own affairs,
I will come at once to the point."
"That is right. Speak out plainly, Edward, and you will find in me, at least, a sincere friend, and an honest adviser. What is the matter now?"
"I don't like my present situation, Mr. Melleville!"
"Ah! Well? What's the trouble? Have you and Jasper had a misunderstanding?"
"Oh no! Nothing of that. We get on well enough together. But I don't think its a good place for a young man to be in, sir!"
"Why not?"
"I can be plain with you. In a word, Mr. Jasper is not an honest dealer; and he expects his clerks to do pretty much as he does."