A Perfect Gentleman. Bd

can put the bridle in the carriage,” added
Mr. Harcourt, turning to the man to whom
he had given the order.

“We can get it done by Tuesday, sir,
without fail,” interposed Benson.

“Tuesday will be too late,” and then,
without another word, Mr. Harcourt stepped
out of the shop, and bidding his groom take
the bridle from the man, he got into his
phaeton, and drove off, muttering to himself,
“The old humbug! I will make him repent
his folly.”

Benson watched the carriage until it had
turned the corner, and with something very
like a sigh went back to his seat. He had
lost his best customer; he felt sure of that.
A man whom he had been most anxious to
oblige; good work, well paid for, and paid
promptly ; such a customer it was hard to
lose. Besides, Benson had had recent losses
in trade, followed by sickness in his family,
and money was very scarce, and would have
been most welcome. He felt that the
temptation to break his rule had been a
severe one. Yet, after a moment’s prayer,
he sat down to his work with a quiet spirit,