“Why?”
“As a matter of fact, Bellair,” Mr. Jabez said patiently, “Lot & Company is eager to make amends for its mistake——”
There was a slow, quiet cough, the most natural and thoughtless sort of cough from the inner office. Bellair wondered if the modern method of Mr. Jabez was wearing a bit upon the dreamer, or if he were really lost in some inscrutable departure of mind.
“That would seem natural,” said he. “It would seem the direct, clear way. I am not boisterous; I threaten nothing.”
Bellair knew that this reminder of the Prentidd episode did not help his cause, but he wished nothing to be lost from the force he possessed. At the same time, he knew that it was the policy of Lot & Company to give nothing unforced. He was interested.
“We hadn’t thought of it, of course,” the future head now said, “but I have no doubt that Lot & Company has something as good for you as your old place, if you——”
“But I do not want a position,” said Bellair.
“What is it you want—again?”
“I want a paper, saying that I stole nothing, that Lot & Company was in error in charging me with taking funds——”
“A sort of explanation of our course?”