578 Fity Sketches. 



the truth. *' But," he added, " you are connected with Braybrook of 

 Coventy don't interrupt me. Now, Walton, it will be impossible 

 for you to keep this connexion ; it is valuable, I know, and I am 

 aware that they respect you, and would continue to do business with 

 you if they could ; but, after what has happened '' 



" They will still give me their business," interrupted Walton. " I 

 know you are aware of their respect for me, Mr. Eager, for you have 

 written them many times endeavouring to supplant me.'' 



" In the way of business I have sent them a circular or two, cer- 

 tainly," admitted Mr. Eager, who was never known to blush but once, 

 and that was inadvertently, " But, my dear Walton, they will aban- 

 don you after this I am sure of it. Now, if you will write them I 

 know your influence with them and persuade them to transfer their 

 business to me " 



" The best customers I have, " cried Walton. 

 " Then," continued Eager, " I will accept your composition." 

 " I couldn't do it I can't think of such a thing," said Walton po- 

 sitively. 



*' You mean to tell me," said Eager, " you will not do me a trifling 

 service like this, which cannot do you any injury" and he arose 

 " Good day, Mr. Walton." 



Mr, Eager took his hat, and proceeded to the door. *' Eh ?" said 

 he, turning suddenly round, affecting to hear something which the 

 other had not uttered. 



" I said nothing, Sir," said Walton. " I repeat, however, that I 

 could never think of such a thing." 



" Oh ! very well, Sir, very well,- you may repent this ;" and Ea- 

 ger, with much apparent indignation, and much real discomfiture, re- 

 treated into the warehouse, casting a contemptuous glance at the un- 

 conscious porter, as he left the premises. 



Walton was not suffered to remain for a very long space of time 

 pondering over the modest and friendly proposition of Mr. Eager 

 before a second opening of the door disturbed him. It was Mr. 

 Grasp. 



" Well, Walton," said he, with as good-humoured an aspect as it 

 was in his power to muster, " you've got over the first meeting. I 

 hope we shall succeed better to-morrow.'' 



" I fear, Sir," said Walton seriously, " from the feeling against me 

 which was manifested to-day, that I have small reason to be sanguine 

 as to the result." 



"Oh! we must be severe we must appear to be very particular," 

 said Grasp. " You don't suppose I was in earnest when I spoke to 

 you as I did ?" 



" Were you not, indeed?" cried Walton. " My dear Sir, I am sorry 

 I should have believed it for a moment." 



" Nothing further from my thoughts, I assure you," cried Grasp, 

 shaking him by the hand. " By the bye, Walton, you intend to go 

 on, of course." 



" Oh, yes, of course," said Walton, " I must endeavour to support 

 my family." 



" Right quite right," cried the other, "honourable and proper. 



