84 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

per has reported, with his own comments and exag-
gerations, a strictly confidential interview. Such
being the case, I will state the plain truth of the
matter. Are you prepared to hear it ?”

‘“‘ Oh, certainly,” replied Jasper, with a covert
sneer in hisvoice. “I’m prepared to hear any thing.”

“Very well. What I have to say is now wrung
from me. I did not wish to leave you in anger. I
did not wish to draw upon me your ill-will. But,
what is unavoidable must be borne. It is true, Mr.
Jasper, as you have been informed, that I am not
satisfied with your way of doing business.”’

‘‘ How long since, pray ?’”’ asked Jasper, with ill-
disguised contempt.

“T did i ike it in the beginning, but gradual-
ly suffered mYSelf to think that all was fair in trade,
until I found I was no better than a common cheat !
Happily, I have been able to make a sudden pause
in the way I was going. From this time, I will
serve no man who expects me to overreach a cus-
tomer in dealing. So soon as my mind was fully
made up to leave your employment, I called to see
my old friend, Mr. Melleville ; stated to hin, frank-
ly and fully, what I thought and felt; and asked
him if he could not make room for me in his store.
Parker doubtless overheard a part of what we were
saying, and reported it to you. I would, let me say
in passing, much rather hold my relation to this un-
pleasant business than his. Mr. Melleville offered
me my old salary—four hundred dollars—and I
agreed to enter his service.”’

“Four hundred dollars !’’ Jasper said this in un-
feigned surprise.