“Dear Sir: I suppose that you realize how final your actions here must be in regard to any trust being placed in you. I shall say no more upon the subject. The fact remains that unfortunately I am in your debt.”
Stephen read this sentence over several times before continuing:
“I feel bound to make one more effort to repay you, which must be regarded as final. I have interests in several companies in Montana, and I will offer you a position with one of them, on the understanding that you will never come into my way again or—”
here several words were scratched out
“You must realize how unpleasant it is for my daughter to be under any obligation to a man, who, to put the matter plainly, is a worthless drunkard. In offering this position to you, I may as well say that this is the only motive which actuates me. The position is one in which no responsibility is involved, being merely clerical. The pay would be sufficient to maintain you as long as you remain steady. The condition I impose would be absolute.
“Yours truly,
“Donald H. Cameron.”
Stephen noticed with interest the character of the signature.
“I don’t believe that man ever failed at anything,” he thought. “There is only one thing that he never learned, and that is how to deal with a failure.”
It was the noon hour, and the various whistles told of lunch, for some. Stephen read the letter over and over.