A Perfect Gentleman. 115

with an air of decision, as if he was accus-
tomed to give his orders and be promptly
obeyed. Glancing round the shop, with an
eye bright with lurking humour, he took in
its arrangements, and made his own estimate
of the character of its possessor.

“So,” he said, turning to Benson, “you
are the impudent fellow who won't work on
a Sunday.”

Fortunately for himself, Benson was a
good physiognomist. Looking up at his
visitor, he felt sure that however abrupt the
words might sound, no offence was intended,
and so, with a smile, he answered respect-
fully, “I do not work on Sundays, sir; but
I hope it does not follow as a necessary con-
sequence that I am wanting in respect to
my employers.”

“Yes, it does, man; at least my friend
Harcourt says so.- He gives you but a bad
character.”

“T am sorry for it, sir,” began Benson ;
but his visitor cut him short.

“ Actually refused his order, and told him
you would not do his work! Do you not
call that impertinence ?”