A Temptation. 47

trembling with emotion. He then abruptly left
the stranger, and went into the house.

Some days after this scene Mr. Kartmann
called Fred into his office.

‘Where are all the drawings that you did with
my sons?’ said he,

‘In my portfolio, sir.’

‘Bring them to me.’

Fred went and fetched his portfolio, which he
gave to his employer, almost trembling as he
did so, because there was something very brief
and uneasy in Mr. Kartmann’s manner that
alarmed him.

Mr. Kartmann examined-all the drawings ;
the sight of every one of them caused him to
utter an exclamation. ‘What imprudence on
my part!’ muttered he. ‘There is enough here
to have half-ruined me.’

When he had finished his examination he
turned towards Fred and said, ‘Some one made
an offer to buy copies of these drawings from
you. I know it.’

‘Yes, sir,’

‘And you did not tell me of it?

‘I did not think it of sufficient importance to
mention it to you.’